§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received regarding the administrative arrangements for applying for inward processing relief; and what plans he has for reform of the system. [82243]
§ Mr. RookerInward Processing Relief (IPR) promotes exports from the EU by putting Community producers on an equal footing with their third country counterparts as regards duty.
Proposals for reform of the administrative arrangements of the scheme have been the subject of discussions in Brussels over the past two years. The aim of the reform is to ensure that the relief continues to be of real financial benefit to EC business.
Regular consultation on the review takes place within the UK's own working group made up of representatives from UK business, including the food processing industry, MAFF, DTI and HM Customs and Excise. The recommendations of this group have been channelled into the discussions in Brussels and have positively influenced the Commission's plans for reform.
The UK fully supports the overall aims of the Commission in its reform and is continuing to press the Commission to speed up the process.
HM Customs and Excise lead on negotiations on this trade facilitation scheme.