The long-awaited benefits for importers and agents from simplifying procedures for importing fresh produce should be realised when the Automatic Licence Verification (ALV) system is implemented fully around January 2010.

However, the industry needs urgent assurance that outstanding IT issues will be resolved well in advance in order to have confidence in the automated system when it replaces existing processes, according to the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC).

The FPC has pressed for these simplified and improved procedures for more than two years and was instrumental in driving forward the initial pilot, in which several FPC members have been involved.

The ALV provides an electronic link between the Fera/RPA PEACH system and the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) CHIEF system 3. Consignment release decisions from the Horticultural Marketing Inspectorate (HMI) and the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate (PHSI) inspectors are transmitted electronically and in real time, directly into CHIEF, removing the need for agents or importers to send Quarantine Release Certificates (QRCs) or Conformity Certificates to the HMRC National Clearance Hub at Salford.

This real-time update directly into CHIEF results in the customs clearance times of containers that are subject to HMI or PHSI control being reduced from the current two hours down to 10-15 minutes, once the HMI or PHSI inspection decision has been made.

Nigel Jenney, chief executive of the FPC, said: “We are keen to encourage other companies to get on board with the phased roll out to take advantage of the improvements. The industry has waited long enough to have a streamlined process, which is estimated to save the industry around £1 million each year.

“Given that most of the disruptions during the pilot have been due to the instability of the HMRC’s EDCS system, which passes information between CHIEF and the ALV system, we find it unacceptable that the industry will have to wait until the end of the year for guaranteed stability of this system. Our concern is that any further delay may compromise a realistic ‘go live’ date due to the failure of HMRC. At the same time, we would wish to thank the project team, including Fera, for its tremendous effort and support. It is essential that the industry has a fully workable system available before a key period of major activity.”

The FPC continues to challenge the UK government to remove any unnecessary burdens from companies importing fresh produce to the UK and to ensure that the UK is a destination of choice, with fast and effective importation controls to allow highly perishable fresh produce to be enjoyed by the nation. Significant achievements by the FPC on behalf of its members have included the introduction of PEACH and revision of the Plant Health legislation and its implementation, and recently a practical interpretation of the revised EU Marketing Standards.

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