We are hearing that UK Customs / Border Agency are currently stopping all postal consignments from China and Hong Kong, for inspection. Average delays are understood to be around 10-12 days. We understand that this is part of an initiative by UK Customs targeted at protection of Intellectual Property / Trademark etc breached by imports of counterfeit / grey market goods – in particular UGG, NIKE and HERMES are believed to be among a number of designer brands involved in this initiative.
What does this mean?
Clearly, this is causing significant delays for many innocent shipments, so any UK importers who receive goods by airmail from China and Hong Kong should expect delays for the foreseeable future. If any shipments are time-sensitive, they may need to consider alternative options - e.g. accompanied merchandise in baggage.
The Customs Practice can help
The Customs Practice has a presence in Hong Kong and can help exporters from Hong Kong and China to minimise the risk of delays at the UK border by ensuring their exports are fully compliant with EU Customs requirements.
To find out more, please call us on 01635 521624 or by e-mail to ian.worth@thecustomspractice.com.
What does this mean?
Clearly, this is causing significant delays for many innocent shipments, so any UK importers who receive goods by airmail from China and Hong Kong should expect delays for the foreseeable future. If any shipments are time-sensitive, they may need to consider alternative options - e.g. accompanied merchandise in baggage.
The Customs Practice can help
The Customs Practice has a presence in Hong Kong and can help exporters from Hong Kong and China to minimise the risk of delays at the UK border by ensuring their exports are fully compliant with EU Customs requirements.
To find out more, please call us on 01635 521624 or by e-mail to ian.worth@thecustomspractice.com.