Following its attendance at the BIRA 125th year conference last month, BHETA (British Home Enhancement Trade Association) is to support the independent retail association with collaborative lobbying campaigns championing the indie retail sector.
A successful lobbyist on behalf of suppliers, its ongoing campaign on Extended Producer Responsibility tax being a case in point, BHETA’s latest campaign, which has clear implications for the independent retail sector is on the sharp rise in B2C sales from overseas producers – and the threats to UK supply, retail and the UK consumer posed.
An estimated 100 million small parcel shipments arrived in the UK from overseas sellers in 2023, due to the rise of the internet and the rise of shopping giants like Temu, Shein, Amazon and eBay. BHETA is calling for the UK Government to reduce the ‘De Minimis’ threshold for duty of £135 significantly. (The De Minimis threshold refers to the value below which goods can be imported into a country without incurring customs duties).
The inability of the Border Force to check most of these small parcels has led to huge difficulties for UK producers who are unable to compete with unscrupulous producers who bypass all, or part, of UK legislation. This not only leads to an estimated annual £1.0 billion in lost VAT (misdeclarations, understating the value of goods and seller non-compliance) just when the new Government is seeking to fill its ‘black hole’ but poses a direct threat to consumers in terms of product safety and consumer rights. As examples, over 98% of fake i-phone chargers purchased via the overseas B2C route do not meet UK safety standards, and there are numerous other electrical hazards, toxic materials, or mechanical failures, with another example being the recent spate of e-bikes catching fire. Bladed articles also arrive in the UK in small parcels undermining the Home Office and Police’s attempts to reduce knife crime.
Will Jones – Chief Operating Officer, BHETA
BHETA’s Chief Operating Officer, Will Jones explained, “It is becoming more and more apparent that suppliers in the housewares, small domestic electricals, garden, DIY and gift sectors are recognising the importance of a thriving and experiential combination of High Street and destination shops. So, while BIRA has been running compelling and successful campaigns for retailers for many years, it is time BHETA also lent its support on mutual issues.
“Whether it’s business rates, minimum wage, employee law, theft, consumer ID, online, or packaging responsibility, these all impact everyone and it’s important the two associations work together accordingly to support the sector.”
Chief Executive Officer at BIRA, Andrew Goodacre added, “It makes sense for associations to work together, especially where it is mutually beneficial. Whilst BIRA represents independent retailers, we also want to support the supply chain to these retailers. The issue of small parcels avoiding duty affects all of us. These parcels are not adding anything to the UK economy and action here would create more income for the UK government.”
For more information on BHETA lobbying and legislative advice contact BHETA Member Services on 0121 237 1130 or via www.bheta.co.uk.
