Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 October 2012
73. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance the reason parcel companies (details supplied) have no revenue customs on their premises and An Post is the only parcel depot that has customs personnel present. [42507/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that throughout the EU, the customs control regime that applies to universal postal service providers, such as An Post, is significantly different from that which applies in respect of ordinary fast parcel operators. Postal operators are exempt from the normal customs requirement to submit manifests, containing details of individual shipments that can be subjected to electronic risk analysis in advance of release of goods into free circulation. Therefore, while the need for Customs attendance at fast parcel depots can be informed by the results of risk analysis, this option is not available in respect of postal consignments and it is necessary to maintain a physical presence at the main depots where postal consignments are brought into the State so as to exercise real time control prior to their release. I can further advise that the premises of the named traders are visited by Customs officers on a daily basis to examine goods and to perform import and export controls.
