UK Issues Update for EU Prior Surveillance Import Licensing Regime

The United Kingdom's Department for International Trade updated its guidance for import controls with a Jan. 3 notice on the European Union’s prior surveillance import licensing arrangements. The notice removed two tariff codes and added five codes “covering imports into free circulation within the EU of aluminum and steel products,” the notice said. All “unused valid import” licenses for a removed tariff code need to be replaced with a new import license, the notice said.

The notice also provides information about amended country codes and the EU’s upgrade to its digital licensing system, clarifying that Economic Operators Registration and Identification numbers are now mandatory for obtaining a prior surveillance import license. The notice contains a list of goods subject to the prior surveillance licensing regime, clarifies situations in which companies do not need a prior surveillance import license and provides guidelines for applying for certain import licenses. The DIT also included a set of frequently asked questions relating to import license requirements, customs procedures and more.