Background
Increased competition, rising costs,
economic concerns and changes in the consumer's taste all characterize
the evolving nature of the food and drink service industry. Companies
within this sector must maintain a firm grasp on changing consumer
needs and taste trends to continually develop food and drink
that meets consumer demand. Today, operational challenges include
food safety, consolidation, expansion, and customer loyalty.
Brand awareness is a major focus as food and drink businesses
look for new opportunities to build market share.
Customs and international trade issues
Although duty rates have fallen significantly
over recent years, this has not extended to the food and drink
sector, where import duties are amongst the highest in the tariff,
with every indication that they will continue to be so for the
foreseeable future. Alcoholic beverage producers also have to
contend with excise duties.
Most countries l ay down official controls
on imports of food and drink products - most especially those
of animal origin intended for human consumption. In practice,
for food and drink producers, this means the operation of an
audit and inspection system as well as regular monitoring at
all stages of production, processing and distribution.
Solutions to help you succeed
The customs legislation in this industry
sector is complex and subject to sudden change. Documentary and
other procedures reflect this complexity and frequently cause
problems for business. We can help food & drink companies
plan for legislative changes before they happen. We can explain
and implement schemes that facilitate trade such as pre-financing
and advance fixing. We can assist food & drink companies
to put in place systems that maximise customs refunds and minimise
exposures to customs duties and levies.
Agricultural and food products are subject
to certain import and export controls, such as import and export
licences, certificates of origin, countervailing charges and
pre- shipments inspections. We can assist in ensuring that our
clients are compliant with this myriad of requirements.
We can help producers of alcoholic beverages
minimise their excise duty payments; maximise drawback and offset
losses.
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