It is proposed to introduce legislation in Finance Bill 2017 to extend the powers officers currently have, under Section 24 of the Finance Act 1994, to improve their capability to examine goods away from ports, airports and other approved places, under customs control, inland after clearance. The change will enable an officer to move, open or unpack goods or containers, or require them to be opened or unpacked, and search the containers and anything in them, as well as mark them as necessary where there is reasonable cause to believe they contain customs goods.
There are safeguards in place to ensure officers’ application of the power will be proportionate and necessary using the Power of Entry Code of Practice.
Who should read: Importers and those carrying on a trade or business where there is reasonable cause to believe their premises contains customs goods.
What is it about: Exposure of draft legislation to clarify the powers relating to the examination of goods away from ports, airports and other approved places under customs control
When effective: 7 December 2016
Expires: 1 February 2017
For further information and to view the full CIP click here
Posted on Thursday 8th December 2016