K3 Retail and AGR talk trade and tax changes at supply chain hotspots event

Supply chain specialist and Microsoft Gold Certified ISV Partner, AGR and retail technology provider K3 Retail are hosting a series of half day seminars during May 2015 focussing on the implications of international trade and tax changes effective from May 2016 and the importance of the associated EU Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) accreditation programme.

The trade and tax changes, to be introduced as part of the November 2014 revisions to the European Union (EU) Customs Code regulations, are relevant to all UK companies that import and export outside the EU. These changes particularly apply to UK companies that are not accredited Authorised Economic Operators. The AEO scheme was introduced in 2008 in response to increasing threats to international supply chains from terrorism, organised crime and counterfeit goods, and is administered by HM Customs in the UK.

Melissa Cupis, managing director of AGR in the UK, explained the reason for the events, "Awareness of the AEO accreditation scheme, and the associated impending changes, has been low amongst UK companies in comparison to other European countries. With only 12 months to go it is important that those importing and exporting outside the EU recognise the potential financial penalties and supply disruption of not being AEO accredited. There are many attractive benefits resulting from accreditation and companies need to act now to maximise the competitive advantage of what can be a relatively straightforward process to become an Authorised Economic Operator."

The regional events are planned for Manchester on 13 May, Birmingham on 14 May and at Microsoft's offices in London on Wednesday 20 May 2015. Speakers include the Trade and Customs Compliance Manager of Marks & Spencer, representatives from HM Revenue and Customs and Pathfinders, strategic change and risk/resilience specialists in supply chain, procurement and IT.

Russell Dorset, Group Managing Director at K3 Retail said, "International supply chain security is a top priority for retailers worldwide with a continuous threat from counterfeit goods and terrorism. Technology is a vital part of maintaining security and by achieving AEO status UK retailers will also gain an internationally recognised quality mark to help speed their imports and exports in a secure supply chain. Attending one of these events is the perfect place to start preparations in time for 2016 – time is running out."