A BTI is a ruling issued to an importer who wants to gain certainty on a classification matter.
Each BTI will bear the commodity code for the product in question and the start date for the validity of the information. It will carry a unique reference number and will show the name and address of the BTI holder. It will show an explicit description of the goods to which it relates and will show the basis of the legal justification for the decision.
BTI is an important tool as there are over 16,000 different commodity codes for goods to be classified under when imported from outside the European Union (EU). Many of these codes have very thin dividing lines. BTI are used for:
Purposes of determining import/export duties
Calculating export refunds
Calculating amounts granted for imports/exports within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
Using import, export or advance fixing certificates for the acceptance of the customs declarations
The Classification of Goods under the EC Customs Code
"Square pegs, round holes or round pegs, square holes?"
Why is it important to correctly classify my goods?
The correct classification of imported goods is one of the most important responsibilities of any importer. The liability of goods to customs duty and the rates of duty to which they are subject depend on their tariff classification. Tariff classification is also used to determine whether a number of non-tariff measures such as import licensing, anti-dumping duties and import quotas apply.
Duty rates vary from 0-217% with an average rate of 4% for imports in to the European Union. Reclassifying your products to commodity codes attracting a lower or nil duty rate can generate enormous savings for your business. On the other hand, in the UK, any mistake you make can result in HMRC taking the following action against you:
"ITSs broad knowledge of Customs has proved invaluable"
D. Widdowson, Director of Financial Accounting Croda Chemicals Europe Ltd
"Rob explains clearly, and gets on with people. He isvery constructive and pragmatic. His loyalty to thereds is admirable, if misguided. One of my favouriteScousers!"
Nick Mallett, Partner DHM Stallard
"ITS helped us to reach a successful conclusion when HMCustoms tried to reject our proposed changes by usingtechnicalities."
D. Suddens, Finance Manager Blanc Aero Industries UK Ltd
"ITSs experience and knowledge has ensured projectswere completed with a favorable result."
K R Maddison, Financial Controller Bard Limited
"Rob has provided customs advice on many occasions,always demonstrating deep knowledge of his subject tohelp the business mitigate its duty liabilities."
Stuart Reid, Financial Director Komatsu UK
"ITS have highlighted significant cost savingopportunities."
CW Winter, Financial Controller Special Metals Wiggin Ltd.
"I have worked with Rob on sticky HMRC issues. As wellas direct assistance, Rob has provided excellenttraining for operational staff. I recommend ITS."
