M&S introduces new, efficient and cost-saving approach to customs controls in wake of Brexit
Brexit brought a raft of new regulation and procedure to retailers' doorstep, particularly those in the food and drink industry. Food and drink goods are notoriously hard to classify because of the complex nature of their make-up, extensive ingredients list, varying production methods and different packaging options. From the 1st January 2021, all businesses that shipped goods between Great Britain and the Northern Ireland needed to follow a new set of customs and tax rules which meant significant changes to the way they had previously ran their business.
M&S addressed the challenge head on by implementing TariffTel to manage all food classification. TariffTel provided the streamlined, accurate and quick approach to classification that was needed at this time. Together, we ensured their much-loved food and drink products continued to cross borders smoothly through Brexit and that consumers were unaffected. M&S also engaged in the process of an AEO application which requires businesses to prove their systems are robust and fully compliant with customs regulations. TariffTel was a part of this application.
Why TariffTel
TariffTel has a unique method to classification. Not only does it integrate with a business' internal systems, it also leverages a business' suppliers in the classification process allowing them to input key data about products for verification. It captures all the data needed including product characteristics such as sugar and fat content, to enable the correct tariff code to be assigned. As a result, this retailer is assured it is paying the correct duty on every product, there is no under or over-paying which can often happen.
Working collaboratively, TariffTel's customs experts are able to assist with classifying even the most complex of food and drink products including, for example, a vegan composite ready meal, made primarily of mycoprotein, with only trace elements of vegetables.
This solution was transformative for M&S and ensured they managed the introduction of new Brexit regulations smoothly, and without disruption to customers. TariffTel's tariff code accuracy is unbeatable. When high standards of compliance are crucial in your organisation, businesses need a solution that guarantees accuracy.
A new framework for the future
This new solution not only streamlined classification processes to speed up the time it had previously taken to classify a product, with classification speeds increasing 5 times, but it ensured M&S had the correct tariff code every time, allowing them to gather documentation relating to the code and be compliant. Shipment delays due to incorrect classification codes were avoided and the team were assured that they were paying the correct duty rates on all products. The new system enabled M&S to adapt and maintain its trading alliances with suppliers and stores across Northern Ireland and deliver the same high-quality service and smooth-running operation it always had. This digital transformation provides M&S with a framework for the future.
Accurate duty payments and no codes-driven border delays.
A fivefold increase in classification speed across the range.
Trading partnerships maintained under Authorised Economic Operator standards.
Meet your regulatory challenge the way M&S did.
Start with TTVerified for expert-backed, audit-ready HS codes, explore your catalogue with TTExplore, or hand the entire programme to TariffTel Managed Services.