U.K. FORWARDING LOBBY WARNS OF ELECTRONIC FILING DEADLINE

U.K. FORWARDING LOBBY WARNS OF ELECTRONIC FILING DEADLINE    Agency Sector Management (ASM), a lobbying body for U.K. air freight forwarders, reminds its members of HM Customs' Jan. 27 deadline for submitting cargo declarations electronically.
   Only one-third of ASM’s 600 freight forwarder members have availed themselves of ASM’s GeMS software, which enables users to make electronic declarations to British customs via community system CCS-UK or by e-mail.
   “We know that many forwarders are concerned about the additional workload and cost the new system will create, and they question the level of benefits to their business. However, the fact remains that the change is mandatory, and agents need to comply,” said Peter MacSwiney, chairman of AMS.
   In two weeks, HM Customs will abolish the use of customs registered numbers (CRNs), the U.K.'s current system of simplified export entry procedures.
   After Jan 27, all simplified, pre-arrival declarations must be submitted electronically. The U.K. government has committed to provide full electronic services by 2005.