HC Deb 16 January 2003 vol 397 cc794-5W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many annual transactions in(a) 2001 and (b) 2002 could have been covered by the New Export System procedures; and how many are expected to be cover ed in (i) 2003 and (ii) 2004. [89131]

John Healey

I have been asked to reply.

The total of export declaration transactions in 2001 was 4.5 million and the total for 2002 was also 4.5 million. All of the export declaration transactions made during 2001–02 could have been handled by the New Export System (NES) had the system been in place at that time. It is estimated that 4.5 to 5 million export declaration transactions will be processed in 2003 and the same in 2004 providing there are no major changes to current pattern in UK exports.

Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what regulatory impact assessment has been carried out of the New Export System; and what the estimated annual costs are to business. [89133]

John Healey

I have been asked to reply.

The implementation of the New Export System (NES) has required no new regulations, just new procedures and therefore no regulatory impact assessment has been required. There are, however, compliance rules for exporters who choose to use simplified procedures for export declarations. These procedures have been widely publicised and are documented on HMCE website.

There is no estimate of annual costs to business as a whole as the cost will depend on how each exporter has chosen to implement NES and any savings offset as a result of a reduction in paper handling.

Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she has taken to co-ordinate the introduction of the New Export System with comparable measures in the EU countries. [89134]

John Healey

I have been asked to reply.

Although regular liaison and exchange of information takes place with other member states on all international trade matters, there is no joint initiative to implement New Export System (NES) across the EU. However, several other member states have or will be implementing electronic export declarations and others have taken an active interest in the UK implementation of NES. NES is also fully compliant with EU regulations.