SGSAROA5030 - Statement of Respective areas of responsibility between DBT TAU and HMRC/UKBF: General

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In the complex area of export control it is often not possible for DBT Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) to advise without detailed technical information, so specifications will often be requested by ECJU technical officers that HMRC/UKBF will need to obtain from the exporter. It should be noted that ECJU technical officers should not be expected to speak directly to the exporter, as there are likely to be legal complications if a prosecution were to be brought.

Exporters should not be advised by HMRC/UKBF that they must consult ECJU for a rating. Everyone is entitled to interpret the export control legislation for themselves and there is no obligation to check with ECJU. ECJU does not provide clearance for given exports and exporters do not have to seek such from ECJU. However, where an exporter voluntarily makes a request to HMRC/UKBF for a rating, HMRC will advise the exporter to consult DBT. Under no circumstances must HMRC/UKBF give exporters individual telephone numbers reserved for HMRC‘s exclusive use. Initial enquiries should be directed to the ECJU Helpline for exporters on 020 7215 8070.

Exporters should also not be advised by HMRC/UKBF that cases are pending with DIT where advice has been sought. This usually results in the exporter contacting DBT directly only to be informed that ECO officials cannot advise on customs cases - as mentioned earlier, direct contact between ECJU technical officers and the exporter is likely to result in legal complications if a prosecution were to be brought. Exporters who do contact the ECJU, requesting information regarding HMRC/UKBF cases, will always be advised to contact the HMRC/UKBF official dealing with the case.

If ECJU is not able to determine licensability for any reason , it is for HMRC to determine any further course of action. Normally, UKBF officers at the port would contact HMRC Customs Enforcement Policy Team for advice, as required, in such circumstances. Out-of-hours this will be via the HMRC Duty Officer. Advice from FIS (Customs A/B) may be sought at any time and must be sought if the rating is requested in response to an NES profile or where there may have been a deliberate breach of controls.

Queries concerning the eligibility of goods to be exported under Open General Export Licences will be accepted by ECJU, but technical officers will not provide information on licences issued as part of this service, nor on legal exceptions or Crown Immunity issues. Questions in these areas should first be addressed to Customs Enforcement Policy Team. Out-of-hours this will be via the HMRC Duty Officer.