The aim of this system is to provide an automatic assessment of the risk that each consignment may or may not conform to the marketing standards. If the risk is low, a conformity certificate for HM Customs is automatically printed allowing the consignment to be immediately cleared without any delay.

The inspector and importer are alerted if the risk is such that an inspection is deemed necessary.

We have been immensely impressed by the ease of use, clarity and speed at which the new system operates. We also believe that it will undoubtedly be very well received by all those involved in the process of importation.

The system is based on 10 criteria involving the product, country of origin and importer. As it is a data-based system it will capture a great deal of helpful performance information that will be of value to importers. It is intended to be as transparent as possible and if importers disagree with the risk category they are deemed most suitable for, there is a simple appeals procedure.

The system goes live on January 30, and 10 further products will be added on February 4. If successful, and we have no reason to believe that it will not be successful, it is planned to introduce the final tranche of products on March 31.

This will allow us to complete the full implementation by April 1. Prior to March 31, we intend to hold a seminar explaining the system and how it operates.

We believe that this is an excellent case study of how government and industry should be working together to find practical cost effective solution to regulatory problems.