Importing from Turkey - Help required to null duty

[Kit26]

Hi
I am struggling to understand what information my suppliers require on their invoices in order to zero duty. The products can be zero rated but despite trying to speak with HMRC for over two months now I cannot get a simple answer as to what is required.

In the past I have ensured that suppliers invoices contained the Turkish pref. origin statement, denied. Then they also included some kind of export numbers, denied.
Lately I have been pushing for a REX number, despite reading on gov.uk that this is not required however the REX number checker that HMRC told me to use suggests it is not valid. My supplier has sent me what appears to be some very official looking documentation with this REX number.

I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who can help. I have a feeling that this task really shouldn't be so hard.

Thanks

 

[Deleted member 351022]

Who exactly is denying the proof origin you are providing?

Are you sure that the preferential origin was actually claimed on the import entry? It is not granted automatically so you would usually need to instruct your agent to claim preferential treatment. If they don’t use the correct codes and just state TR origin then standard all country duty rates will apply.

If HMRC are denying the proof of origin is this as a result of a retrospective reclaim or audit? I ask as HMRC do not routinely examine proofs of origin.

Requirements for proofs of Turkish Preferential Origin

Firstly goods must qualify as Turkish preferential origin. If your supplier confirms this then:

The proof of origin should be a statement on commercial documentation that the goods meet them criteria for trade between the UK and Turkey . This should be made out by the exporter and show their authorisation number if the shipment is over £5400

In Turkey, Approved Exporters should use their Approved Exporter number as the authorisation number. The supplier may need to get approval for this or get their approval amended to include exports to the UK
This is not the same as a REX number for Turkish exporters to the UK.

 

[Deleted member 351022]

Wording of declaration from TURKEY / Türkiye
The exporter of the products covered by this document (customs authorisation No … ) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of TR ( Türkiye )  preferential origin.

 

[Kit26]

Hi, many thanks for taking the time to reply.

My import agent did try to help me with claiming pref origin and advised a customs authorisation number was required in addition to the declaration. My supplier updated the invoice to include a 'Turkish Manufacturing Origin Code' which was a 12 digit numeric code. Unfortunately my agent advised me this was not correct. I assume this could not be submitted. Sadly we ran out of time to claim as the container was already in port.

Therefore my agent advised me about how to reclaim in the future.

I then spent months back and forth with various HMRC and customs people trying to understand what I need to get my supplier to provide to me but each time I just get pushed in different directions. For s while I was being told they must have a REX number. Eventually the supplier provided one but it was not recognised by the checking system I had been pointed towards by HMRC. Then I read some documentation suggesting a REX number is not required. It's been overly hard just trying to get simple advice.

Looking at your suggestion above it seems all that is required is the declaration and the approved exporter number. This is a helpful start I'm sure, so thank you.

 

[Deleted member 351022]

Can I suggest that you ask your supplier to contact Turkish Customs locally and ask how to get an authorised exporter registration as required for them to complete invoice statements for trade under the UK - Türkiye trade agreement.
The REX number system was an EU initiative which we lost once we left the EU.
It doesn’t surprise me that the general HMRC advisers don’t seem to understand current requirements as guidelines stop short of advising what the expected format of authorisation numbers importers should expect to see from their suppliers under the various trade agreements.
We know that an approved exporter number is required on the invoice declaration as that is set down however in the case of Türkiye the number format and registration requirements are set in their local legislation.

If you can get the correct statement from your supplier then it is possible to put in a retrospective reclaim to HMRC.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Unfortunately my agent advised me this was not correct.

SO what do they say would be correct?

 

[Kit26]

Thank you very much for the additional help and information. Your suggestions would appear to make good sense and be a good way to proceed.
I have since checked and did receive emails from HMRC suggesting a REX number is required, so it really is quite frustrating if this is incorrect, however probably a positive overall.
Regarding my agent, they have been helpful. However I have perhaps been not pushy overall about asking for more help on the situation as I did not want to sour the relationship after significant earlier communications about this matter and copious amounts of incorrect paperwork submissions. This is for certain a further area I should consider.

 

[Deleted member 351022]

To be fair a REX or registered exporter number and an authorised exporter number are very similar and both used in the context of preferential trade. But you do have to get the right type depending on the terms of each agreement.
For example If you were importing from an EU supplier then REX number is what must be quoted as the EU say this is their requirement for exporters under the EU -UK preferential trade agreement.

As Paul Kelly says if your agent is rejecting what is being supplied they should be able to tell you what they believe is acceptable.

These are the official guidelines - I have added the bold text.

For exporters located in Turkey, when the origin declaration is made out by an approved exporter, the authorisation number of the approved exporter must be entered in this space. Turkish exporters are not required to have or insert a Registered Exporter (REX) number under the UK-Turkey Agreement.