Guidance

Notice to Traders 35/21

Updated 14 May 2021

Import of Frozen Beef and Veal Quota (GATT) under Statutory Instrument 2020 No. 1432

Introduction

This notice is to advise you of the rules for the GATT beef quota for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022. The contents of this notice are intended as a guide only.

Background

The quantity which may be imported under these arrangements is 11,143,000 kg of frozen beef and veal (expressed as boneless meat), falling within CN codes 0202 and 0206 2991, which must be frozen with an internal temperature of -12°C or lower. The Common Customs Tariff duty applicable to this quota is 20% ad valorem.

For the purposes of this quota, 100 kg of bone-in meat equates to 77 kg of boneless meat.

This quota will be managed by issuing import licences. These will be valid from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022.

Eligibility

To give us the maximum time possible to resolve any queries, please submit your proof documents and your GATT proofs log as soon as possible. This will allow us to check that the quantities are correct before you submit your licence application between 1st and 7th June 2021.

Proof of Trade

You will need to provide proof that you have imported under a GB EORI number, a minimum of 25 tonnes of beef falling under CN codes 0202, and 0206 2991 within the 12 month period 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021.

Reference Quantity

You will also need to provide proof of your reference quantity which will determine how much quota you can apply for within the quota year. Imports under the following CN codes can qualify towards your reference quantity: 02010000, 02020000, 02061095 and 02062991. Imports must take place within the 12 month period 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021

For proof of trade and reference quantity, we will need to see:

• The Customs documents of release for free circulation for all paper licences, or if the product was imported without a licence. Each proof must be marked with a cross-reference to previous licences issued; and
• A copy of your current VAT certificate.

Note: If you are registered as part of a group, you must provide an up to date VAT certificate that lists each company within the group.

Spreadsheet for Proof of Trade and Reference Quantity

You will find a copy of the spreadsheets for the collation of proofs with this notice. Alternatively, you can contact the Imports team on the helpline telephone number given below.

You must:

• List the licence numbers and attributions on the GATT spreadsheets that have been supplied;
• Ensure that the spreadsheets clearly state your trader name and RPA Trader Registration Number, in order to enable us to link them to your application form;
• Email the spreadsheets to trader@rpa.gov.uk (a hard copy is not necessary). For verification purposes, you must supply the original C88s or copies of the originals, stamped by Customs. We will accept photocopies of the Customs stamp or scanned versions of these documents on condition that you supply the originals at your earliest opportunity. These procedures do not apply to imports covered by an electronic licence, only to imports made using a paper licence or with no licence.

Applying for Licences

Quota applications must be received during the first seven days of June.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your application, all supporting documentation and your security, is correct at the time of submission. They must be received by the RPA no later than 17:00 on Monday 7 June 2021.

Note: We will reject any applications where the security and / or proof of trade are received after 17:00 (UK time) on Monday 7 June 2021.

We advise you to use the latest version of the application form. You can submit applications either by post or by email. The email address for licence applications is trader@rpa.gov.uk

As part of the GATT beef import tariff quota, licence applications must include the following entries

For licences under this quota, your application must state:

• In box 8, the country of origin;
• In box 15, the full description, covering both CN codes in the group;
• In box 16, one of the following groups of CN codes: 0202 1000, 0202 20 for bone-beef; or 0202 30, 0206 2991 for boneless beef.
• In box 20, “frozen meat of bovine animals –Statutory Instrument 2020 No. 1432 and order number “05.4003”.

Licence Security

Your licence application must be accompanied by a security of £6 per 100 kg. You can find further information on how to lodge your security on GOV.UK.

Issue of Licences

Your licence will be issued towards the end of June. It will be valid from 1 July 2021 until 30 June 2022.

Release of Licence Security

Security on electronic licences will be released automatically once they have been used to 95% of the original quantity. If the electronic licence has not been fully used, the security will be forfeit in proportion to the amount unused.

Authority

You can find details of the arrangements in Statutory Instrument 2020/1432. You can obtain copies from Stationery Office bookshops and accredited agents, or order from the Stationery Office website.

You can also access Statutory Instruments electronically by visiting the UK’s Legislation website. The RPA is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the Legislation website. Whilst every care has been taken in producing this guidance, the Statutory Instrument as published is definitive.

Questions

If you have any questions about this notice, please call the Import Licensing team:

• Our telephone helpline number – 03300 416 500 (select Option 1)
• E-mail contact – trader@rpa.gov.uk
• Our postal address is:

Import licencing Team
Rural Payments Agency
Lancaster House
Hampshire Court
Newcastle Business Park
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE4 7YH