Kewill (LSE: KWL), a leading provider of solutions that simplify global trade and logistics, and e-customs, the major UK web based customs clearance provider, have announced they are working together to prepare their customers for the impact of the new Excise Movement Control System (EMCS) in the UK.

The Excise Movement Control System (EMCS), which comes into effect from April 2010, represents a major change to the existing procedures. Paper based controls are currently used to govern the movement of excised goods such as alcohol, tobacco products and mineral oils within the European Union, and to ensure the correct level of excise is paid in the country of consumption. The new system will see companies within member states exchange customs declarations electronically on the basis of commonly agreed specifications.

Evan Puzey, Chief Marketing Officer at Kewill said "Although timescales for the implementation of EMCS have already been announced, the technical specification for the new system is not yet complete in the UK, leading to a degree of uncertainty amongst vendors and customers. As part of our ongoing commitment in the customs and compliance market, Kewill and e-customs are closely monitoring the situation, using our collective customs experience to develop a solution that will allow UK companies to fulfil their obligations."



Kewill has partnered in the UK with e-customs since 2008 and both companies have experienced an increasing appetite amongst their customers to use electronic solutions to simplify their customs processes and meet the growing burden of compliance in advance of this long-anticipated legislative change. However, both have also reported an apparent lack of clarity amongst UK businesses on how EMCS will affect them and the changes they need to put in place.

Alun Davies, Managing Director of e-customs said "This is a wide-sweeping change that will affect all traders moving excisable goods within the European Union. If your business is importing wine from Italy or Spain, or moving tobacco products from the UK to Germany then this will affect you, however if you are moving goods within the same country you could also be affected. We advise all companies trading in excised goods to seek expert advice to ensure they know how and when the changes will be implemented and avoid being caught out."