HC Deb 28 May 2004 vol 422 cc20-1W
Ms Abbott

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to reassess procedures for clearance of parcels entering the United Kingdom via private companies. [175543]

John Healey

HM Customs and Excise operate import controls at Uk ports of entry and international postal depots for goods and packages entering the UK from outside the European Union, within the framework of EU customs procedures established by agreement with our European partners.

The European Commission is currently reviewing the customs declaration procedures for the import and export of small consignments, and has issued a proposal intended to align more closely the customs procedures currently used by express couriers and the Royal Mail. Customs are consulting with both private and national carriers about the implications of these proposals.