Customs Information Paper 46 (2015)

Simplified Import VAT Accounting Scheme (SIVA) Reauthorisation Requirements.

Who should read: Any economic operator or business authorised to use the SIVA scheme when importing goods into the UK. Any economic operator or business wishing to apply for the first time for SIVA.

What is it about: Revised criteria for SIVA authorisation.

When effective: On publication date.

Extant until/ Expires Until further notice.

1. Background

SIVA allows importers to reduce the level of financial guarantee required to operate a duty deferment account for VAT purposes to 0%.

The new Union Customs Code (UCC) legislation, Commission Regulation 952/2013 comes into force on 1 May 2016. It has introduced revised criteria that economic operators have to meet before they can be authorised to reduce the level of financial guarantee required to operate a deferment account.

This has led to inconsistent authorisation requirements for reduced guarantees across Customs duty and import VAT.

Economic Operators who wish to reduce the VAT element of their guarantee to operate a duty deferment account must reach the criteria of Authorised Economic Operator (AEOC). The terms of Article 95.2 of the UCC will be applied for this purpose.

The additional requirements to the existing SIVA approval that will have to be met are:

Proven financial solvency enabling the applicant to be able to fulfill his or her commitments for the type of business concerned; and A high level of records management including where necessary transport records enabling appropriate customs controls.

These fulfil the legal obligations in Article 39(b) and (c) of the UCC.

You may also wish to read CIP (14) 65.

2. What will happen next?

For economic operators and businesses authorised for SIVA, that are already authorised for AEOC, and some CFSP traders that have been re-authorised to AEOC status in their last re-approval, HMRC will write to you to advise what needs to be done to maintain your authorisation.

For SIVA approved businesses that do not currently have AEOC status, HMRC will contact you and work with you to explain the AEOC requirements and how to obtain your re-approval.

You will however be able to continue with your existing authorisation after the 1 May 2016 implementation date until the authorisation is reassessed. The re- authorisation process will run until 30 April 2019.

Applications from new businesses wishing to be authorised for SIVA after 30 April 2016 will be required to meet the standards to obtain a guarantee waiver under the UCC (AEOC criteria).

3. Contacts.

If you have any queries on the content of this paper, please contact

Ms C Dicker HM Revenue and Customs Customs Directorate 10th Floor Alexander House Southend-on-Sea Essex SS99 1AA.

E-mail [email protected]

Due to resource pressures only queries directly related to this paper should be directed to this email address.

Any other enquiries on SIVA should be made to the VAT, Excise & Customs Helpline on 0300 200 3700.

Queries can also be made using the online enquiry form at www.hmrc.gov.uk or sent in writing to:

HM Revenue and Customs CITEX Written Enquiry Team PO Box 30001 GLASGOW G67 9EX

Issued on the 2 November 2015 by Customs Directorate, HMRC.

For general HMRC queries speak to the VAT, Excise & Customs Helpline on telephone: 0300 200 3700. Your Charter explains what you can expect from us and what we expect from you. www.gov.uk/government/publications/your-charter