SITPRO today suggested that the principle behind the Government’s proposal to establish a ‘unified border force’ for the UK could be applied to the import and export of goods.
Malcolm McKinnon, SITPRO’s Chief Executive, said, “Although we recognise that the Government’s proposal is driven by the concern to enhance security in relation to the movement of people, closer co-ordination amongst border agencies is also vital to facilitate the smooth movement of goods.
“Currently traders or their agents have to deal with many separate border agencies at ports. The measures they apply include collecting revenue, protecting key UK and EU economic interests, enhancing border security and safeguarding public health. SITPRO has been arguing for many years in support of a more joined-up approach to border management. We feel that a unified approach, achieved one way or another, through real closer working between the Departments concerned, would help towards creating a more efficient trading environment and reduce the regulatory burden on traders.
“Close co-ordination between border agencies is also vital to the success of initiatives such as the Authorised Economic Operator and the UK International Trade Single Window programmes, which could both offer benefits for trade and government alike.”
Notes for Editors
SITPRO, the UK’s Trade Facilitation Agency, was established in 1970 to simplify international trade and much of its work has focussed upon improving the procedures at ports and borders, looking at issues such as improving the arrangements for inspecting goods at the border and streamlining the submission of data to government. Since the attack on the World Trade Centre in 2001 highlighted the need for greater vigilance, SITPRO has also been campaigning for the application of trade facilitation principles to security controls that will enhance security without impeding trade.
SITPRO News Release - 27 July 2007
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