Customs Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance: Extension of Agreements

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A decision made 21 March 2019:

MINISTERIAL DECISION REFERENCE: MD-ER-2019-2015
DECISION SUMMARY TITLE: Extension of Customs Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance Agreements
DECISION SUMMARY AUTHOR:	Director, External Relations – Brexit Unit	IS THE DECISION SUMMARY PUBLIC OR EXEMPT?		Public
REPORT TITLE: N/A
REPORT AUTHOR OR NAME OF PERSON GIVING REPORT:	N/A	IS THE REPORT PUBLIC OR EXEMPT		N/A
DECISION AND REASON FOR THE DECISION: By letter dated 1 March 2019, under the terms of the draft Withdrawal Agreement, the EU customs cooperation in mutual administrative assistance (CCMAA) agreements with Canada, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and the U.S. will cease to apply to the UK and the Bailiwick of Jersey after the UK exits the EU. The application would cease at the end of the implementation period specified under the terms of the UK’s proposed Withdrawal Agreement with the EU, or in the event of a no deal scenario, on 29 March. The UK has requested confirmation that the Bailiwick of Jersey is content for the CCMAA agreements be extended to it, and for confirmation that the Bailiwick of Jersey will have the necessary domestic legislation in place by the time of signature. Paragraph 9 of the Jersey-UK Customs Arrangement requires Jersey to comply with all relevant international obligations which includes customs co-operation and mutual administrative assistance. Securing extension of the CCMAAs is therefore necessary to endure Jersey’s compliance with the terms of the Arrangement. The Minister therefore supports making the official request for extension of the agreements.
RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS: There are no financial or manpower implications for the Government arising from this Ministerial Decision.
ACTION REQUIRED: External Relations shall take the necessary steps to process the formal request for extension through the official channel.
SIGNATURE: SENATOR IAN GORST			POSITION: MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS

DATE SIGNED			EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE DECISION (if different)