SITPRO is delighted to announce the beginning of DICE, the Defra Import/Export Consultation Exchange, which had its first meeting on 1 September 2004. With Defra responsible for an estimated 60% of hold-ups within port environments, this is a ground-breaking move on Defra's part and warmly welcomed especially by businesses who import animals, plants, fruit and vegetables from outside the European Union.
The Inaugural Meeting of DICE
Consultation - involving the business community in the work of government - ensures that the resulting regulations are more effective and more acceptable to those that they affect. The consultation process allows government to access the views of its stakeholders to ensure that decisions taken are in the best interests of those concerned. The JCCC (Joint Customs Consultative Committee) is a very good example of how Customs and Excise consults with its client base, but sadly similar structures are all too often absent from other governing agencies.
The premise of DICE is simple: to consult with associations and trade groups; to exchange views; and to address issues. In return, Defra promises a high degree of involvement in the speedy resolution of any issues raised. The group’s primary objective is the simplification and standardisation of trade regulation procedures.
Already there have been a number of sub-groups set up under the auspices of DICE, to look at particular activities: a Plant Health group to look at the implementation of the new importing directive; a Forestry Commission group to look at charging for wood packaging inspections; and an Animal Health group on TRACES, the Commission system for reporting intra-EU live animal movements and imports of animal products from outside Europe. All groups will report back to the main DICE group which next meets on 13 January 2005.
SITPRO has been instrumental in the formation of DICE and is providing the secretariat for a short period while it is getting established. One member, Sarah Hollowell from the Food and Drink Federation, commented, “Any forum where we come face to face with Defra is a good thing for members of our Federation and I hope Defra maintain the momentum generated by SITPRO when they take over the secretariat's role during 2005.”
The DICE homepage is located at: www.defra.gov.uk/exports/dice/index.htm.
Return to SITPRO News: Issue 51, Winter 2004/2005
