'Renegade' importers face fines over extended release system

THERE ARE some importers who are not adhering to the requirements of the “extended release” system, and the authorities warn that they could face fines, the withdrawal of “extended release” privileges, or prosecution – which could even result in imprisonment. This refers to cargoes which must be cleared with a government department (mostly the departments of agriculture and health) before they can be used by the importer. They use the “extended release” system to facilitate delivery to importers, but at the same time, the importers must comply with conditions laid down. These are that shipments are released to importers on the strict understanding that they will notify the local office of the department concerned as soon as the container(s) are received, and will arrange the necessary examinations within a pre-determined time frame. Import consignments have to be held intact and may not be utilised until the relevant examinations have been carried out and release granted. Importers must also ensure that the regional offices of the government department that grant the initial extended release are informed when the necessary examinations have been conducted. And, suggested a forwarding contact of FTW, proof of compliance should be obtained from the local departmental representative who conducts the examination, and acquitted with the department that originally authorised the extended release.