The purpose of the BWA is to:
The Association has advanced and grown over the years and has twice changed name, first to The Scottish Bonded Warehousekeepers Association, and then in 1979 to The Bonded Warehousekeepers Association.
Membership was restricted to companies who held a Customs & Excise warehouse approval, and the object of the Association was “to generally, and always in so far as consistent with the Law, to promote interests of members”.
Following publication of a consultancy report, on how the Association should develop and move forward, the Constitution was altered to allow a broadening of the membership.
Today, companies such as Producers, Importers, Warehousing & Distribution, Transport, Information Technology, Supply Chain/Logistics service providers, Equipment Handling and Security organisations are welcome as members.
The BWA actively participates with HMRC and sits on a number of key task forces such as the Joint Alcohol and Tobacco Consultation Group (JATCG) and the Joint Alcohol Anti-Fraud group (JAAF).
The BWA are signatories to the Excise Alliance with HMRC, dedicated to developing co-operative approaches leading to detection of smugglers and fraudsters. We are also signatories to a MoU which was introduced to develop and promote a framework for cooperation between our members and HMRC
A regular number of meetings and seminars are organised, by the BWA, to allow members and HMRC representatives to discuss topics relevant to our industry.
We also have regular engagements, with HMRC, on matters affecting our sector such as Brexit, VAT and Customs & Excise legislating changes, along with keeping an eye on existing processes that need attention such as Excise & Customs approvals, SEED and more.
Members of the BWA were instrumental in advising and supporting HMRC in preparation of the revised Excise Notice 197 “Excise Goods – Holding and Movement”.
We also have a representative and fully participate in the SWA H&S action group
The BWA is a non-profit membership based association, established in 1885, which provides a professional service to its members and related organisations specifically involved in Customs and Excise warehousing.
As a member you can expect the following benefits:
1. Representation
The BWA has over 160 companies as members throughout the UK and EU, and has established very close links to Government, regulatory bodies and other Associations. The BWA will engage on a strategic and partnership level to ensure that its members have a powerful voice which is acknowledged and listened to along with a consistent approach and vehicle to influence future policy.
2. Information, Guidance and Support
Members will have prompt access to all relevant information that affects their Customs or Excise warehouse status and have a forum to share and benchmark. The opportunity to influence policy and shape the future is there as the BWA are amongst a select group that is sought out by HMRC for its views and assessment of issues impacting the industry.
HMRC specialists within the BWA are available to give advice and guidance on all matters relating to the operation of Customs and Excise Warehouses and the HMRC rules and regulations that govern them. This extends to offering Awareness Training and annual Health checks to ensure that our members and staff are aware of the obligations and processes when operating a Customs or Excise warehouse operation.
3. Networking
Within the membership there exists a huge amount of knowledge and experience across all sectors of the industry which can be tapped into and exploited. A number of activities ranging from Seminars/Webinars, on specific topics, to informative networking events and special interest groups are planned each year which has proved to be very successful in building relationships and developing interaction between fellow professionals with shared interests.
4. Recognition
Enhance your professional credibility and visibility by belonging to one of the respected and widely known associations within the UK. Advertise on the BWA website to enhance your company’s profile.
Further details on membership benefits and cost can be found here.