ASM TO DELIVER SAD H FUNCTIONALITY DESPITE CUSTOMS DELAYS

Agency Sector Management (UK) Ltd (ASM) has confirmed that it will still release Version 11 of GeMS (Global eCargo Management System) software in July, despite this week’s announcement by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) that the phase-in of the new harmonised SAD (Single Administrative Document) SAD H will be delayed.

GeMS provides users with an integrated cargo management solution with a consistent interface for import and export processing and documentation. Version 11 will provide users with software that will enable them to comply with the requirements of SAD H.

HMRC’s decision to delay implementation of SAD H is the latest of several problems that have beset this EU initiative, which is a precursor to allowing declaration data to be passed between Member State’s computer systems.

Comments Peter Macswiney; chairman of ASM: “In February, we were so concerned by HMRC’s intention to switch over to the new system as a big bang on July 1st that we warned importers, exporters and forwarders to brace themselves for major disruption.

“We then welcomed the news that HMRC, instead of moving the industry en masse to the new system on July 1st, had decided to adopt a phased approach, allowing communities to migrate to the new system when they are satisfied that the new system is working properly. This approach also provides the opportunity to ensure that staff have been properly trained and familiarised with the new procedures.

“Now, we are somewhat taken aback to hear that the implementation of SAD H will be delayed by failings of HMRC’s I.T. partners, leaving the UK trailing further behind the rest of the EU in implementing SAD H.

“Nevertheless, whilst we have no idea of a new date for SAD H implementation, we intend to release Version 11 of GeMS in July with all the SAD H Customs functionality in place. This will give users the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the new declaration forms ready for the new procedures when they are eventually implemented.

“In the meantime, we are pleased to hear that HMRC will maintain its decision to adopt a phased transition when implementation occurs. As we have said before, it is only by allowing dual running of the old and new systems that many difficulties will be avoided and the risk of failure reduced."

As a non-profit making organisation, ASM has developed the GeMs software with a high level of features included as standard and the capability of interfacing with other applications. With no shareholders to satisfy, the company is in a unique position to deliver cost effective and efficient systems. The use of this software helps freight agents meet their customers’ demanding expectations of the freight industry.

Mr Ian Matheson
Impress Communications Ltd
DMR House, 8-10 Cleave Avenue
Farnborough
Kent
BR6 7DR
++44 (0) 1689 860660

This release was published on openPR.