The European Union's (EU's) electronic Export Control System (ECS) harmonises EU export procedures. It electronically controls indirect exports, including pre-departure declarations, the transfer of export information between member states, and common safety and security regulations. Indirect exports occur when an export leaves the EU via another member state.

ECS is the first stage of an Automated Export System (AES) aiming for a computerised export system to common standards throughout the EU.

The Export Control System in the UK

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is responsible for operating the ECS in the UK.

The UK's Office of Export uses HMRC's Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) messaging and the ECN+ network.

All goods brought out of the customs territory of the Community are subject to safety and security controls. They must be covered by a customs declaration of some kind - an export declaration, re-export declaration or, where the full export declaration is not required, an exit summary declaration submitted electronically.

You may also need to refer to HMRC's Customs Information Papers (CIPs). For example, if you move goods to one of the special territories or the continental shelf, you should read CIP (09) 68 on how to accurately complete import and export declarations on the CHIEF system.

HMRC International Trade Development Liaison Officers are also able to provide information by email.

An ECS Helpdesk handles email queries relating only to ECS - eg undischarged declarations, queries against an MRN, processing of EADs in the UK as Office of Exit. You can email the ECS Helpdesk at ECS.Helpdesk@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.

However, for general export queries, you should contact the NES Helpline on Tel 029 2032 6371, or you can email them at export.enquiries@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.

 

( linda )29 Nov,2011

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