First step to paperless exports
Exporters throughout the West Midlands are being urged to go green and protect the planet - by joining the march towards a new paperless revolution.
From April the British Chamber of Commerce - which includes Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) - ruled that plain paper UK Certificates of Origin (export documents) will be issued throughout the UK.
GBCC documentation manager David Harris said over 40 per cent of Certificates of Origin issued worldwide were now printed on plain paper.
“As we move into a digital future the BCC wants Chambers to be in the vanguard working with the Government to achieve its digital ambition for a paperless border by 2025.
"The move to plain paper Certificates of Origin is the first step in this journey.
“From 1 April 2023 all applications have had to be made via our online platform (ecert). All back-up documents, invoices, packing lists, proof of origin etc must be uploaded to ecert.
"We will be unable to accept separate emails. To print an Express application you will need a colour printer. However, there is no
requirement to print Certificates of Origin. You will be able to print directly to a PDF and this attachment can be emailed directly to your customer. ”
David described the new Chamber of Commerce regime as a 'no-brainer. '
“Why would you want me to print a document out when you can download an attachment in two minutes?
“At the moment some customers will send a driver to pick documents up or they will wait for it to come in the post. We have fallen behind other countries - there are 12 others already operating in such a way (plain paper) and they have not reported any issues with customers or customs authorities. ”
The Chamber House based documentation team currently processes around 1,600 export documents a month.
“This is all part of the move towards a greener future worldwide. It will also save exporters money on transport and postal costs etc.
“We would prefer exporters to download the PDF rather than print off an export document, but they still have the option to do that if they want. ”
Exporters with queries should contact David at 0121-274-3218 or at d.harris@birmingham-chamber.com
Pictured: The Chamber's documentation team