The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has praised the UK Government's decision to review the customs treatment of Low Value Imports, describing the move as a necessary step to protect consumers and uphold UK standards.
Responding to the announcement, Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, stated: 'The announcement of the review into the de minimis rules is most welcome and shows that the government has listened to the concerns and representations of retailers and the BRC and that it is prepared to take swift action to protect consumers from goods being dumped in the UK, many of which fail to meet UK environmental and ethical standards, as a result of global trade turmoil.'
The de minimis rules, originally designed to reduce the administrative burden on low volume, low value imports, are increasingly seen as outdated amid rising concerns over non-compliant products entering the UK market. Retailers have reported a significant increase in products that do not meet the country's rigorous environmental and ethical benchmarks, raising risks for both consumers and legitimate businesses.
Helen Dickinson added: 'A review of this policy, which was designed to reduce the burden on low volume, low value imports, was already needed. With retailers seeing a rise in the number of potentially non-compliant products entering the UK market, it's even more critical now.'
The BRC, representing retailers across the UK, has long advocated for stronger controls to ensure imported goods adhere to domestic standards. The review signals a positive step towards safeguarding consumers and reinforcing the integrity of the UK market in the face of global trade disruptions.
The British Retail Consortium's media team remains available for comment and support to members' press teams as this important policy development unfolds.
More information:
British Retail Consortium
[email protected]
www.brc.org.uk