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| High Spec UKBA Computer 2011 |
The mind boggles!
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Showing posts with label false information ukba. Show all posts
Showing posts with label false information ukba. Show all posts
FFS! What Computers and O/S do UKBA use?
The mind boggles!
UKBA Guidelines of 1kg tobacco and 800 cigarettes NOT coming in this year!
UKBA seemingly have changed their mind about implementing the new guidlelines of 1kg tobacco and 800 cigarettes this year. This info comes from Daytripper and l find them a reliable source. The owner is a straight up guy and runs an informative site for cross-border shoppers.Go take a look.
Be careful if stopped by the UKBA though, they are not to be trusted. Current events certainly suggest that they wouldn't try to use these new guidelines in order to seize your goods. So if they try and say that these new guidelines are in force ... they are lying!
Don't be fooled by guidelines ... they are not limits or allowances ... simply guidelines.
We'll do our best to keep you updated on these new guidelines ... UKBA may change their mind next week!!!!
Be careful if stopped by the UKBA though, they are not to be trusted. Current events certainly suggest that they wouldn't try to use these new guidelines in order to seize your goods. So if they try and say that these new guidelines are in force ... they are lying!
Don't be fooled by guidelines ... they are not limits or allowances ... simply guidelines.
We'll do our best to keep you updated on these new guidelines ... UKBA may change their mind next week!!!!
Coach Companies who offer Cross-Border Shopping trips **GROAN and DESPAIR**
l don't know about you but when a coach company advertises Cross-Border shopping trips l would expect them to know the regs regarding such trips. What you dont expect is for them to give you information that is uitterly wrong and put you at risk of losing your goods.
Take this company, Ross Travel, for instance. Firstly they say, in big letters KNOW YOUR ALLOWANCE Well, there is NO allowance, there is NO such thing! 'Allowance' would mean that you are allowed to bring in this amount with no hinderance from UKBA. Best of luck with that! lmagine saying to the UKBA officers that have just stopped you 'l'm allowed to bring this in' ... after they've stopped laughing your goods are probably gone! UKBA work on guidelines only for EU shopping ... NOT allowances. They can and do confiscate amounts below the guidelines so this company isn't doing their customers any favours by giving them a false sense of security by saying they have 'allowances'! They are in fact putting them at risk of their goods being confiscated.
The company then goes on to list your 'allowances' ! /facepalm
Then the company goes onto more detail and states 'duty free allowances' !!! There is NO DUTY FREE!! ... let alone 'allowances' /facepalm.
Next we have the company saying that their driver will use his discretion (based on what? allowances?) to decline passengers entry onto the coach if they knowingly abuse the limits (knowingly? :) limits? what limits? whose limits?) to excess. (One assumes therefore you can exceed the 'limits' but what the excess is, they don't say) /facepalm.
Next we have the company saying if you are stopped by customs (UKBA)for excessively exceeding allowances (it hurt even writing that) ... they'll leave you stranded! One wonders how the company's driver knows you've 'excessively exceeded allowances' (groan) when you've been stopped by UKBA and then interviewed. Does he come into the room where you are being interviewed and ask the UKBA? What if you haven't 'excessively exceed allowances' but UKBA are still giving you a hard time? Will the driver then not leave you stranded? Ah, the company's next paragraph looks like it addresses that.
The company says they have a duty of care to all the other passengers to continue on without you. No duty of care for the poor soul who's already having a hard time with UKBA then? He's now got the added pressure of fighting for his goods or being left stranded! /facepalm
One wonders what will be 'excessively exceeding allowances' (groan) when the new guidelines come in of 1kg tobacco and 800 cigarettes?
I'm beginning to think that these coach trips are operated by the UKBA!
Take this company, Ross Travel, for instance. Firstly they say, in big letters KNOW YOUR ALLOWANCE Well, there is NO allowance, there is NO such thing! 'Allowance' would mean that you are allowed to bring in this amount with no hinderance from UKBA. Best of luck with that! lmagine saying to the UKBA officers that have just stopped you 'l'm allowed to bring this in' ... after they've stopped laughing your goods are probably gone! UKBA work on guidelines only for EU shopping ... NOT allowances. They can and do confiscate amounts below the guidelines so this company isn't doing their customers any favours by giving them a false sense of security by saying they have 'allowances'! They are in fact putting them at risk of their goods being confiscated.
The company then goes on to list your 'allowances' ! /facepalm
Then the company goes onto more detail and states 'duty free allowances' !!! There is NO DUTY FREE!! ... let alone 'allowances' /facepalm.
Next we have the company saying that their driver will use his discretion (based on what? allowances?) to decline passengers entry onto the coach if they knowingly abuse the limits (knowingly? :) limits? what limits? whose limits?) to excess. (One assumes therefore you can exceed the 'limits' but what the excess is, they don't say) /facepalm.
Next we have the company saying if you are stopped by customs (UKBA)for excessively exceeding allowances (it hurt even writing that) ... they'll leave you stranded! One wonders how the company's driver knows you've 'excessively exceeded allowances' (groan) when you've been stopped by UKBA and then interviewed. Does he come into the room where you are being interviewed and ask the UKBA? What if you haven't 'excessively exceed allowances' but UKBA are still giving you a hard time? Will the driver then not leave you stranded? Ah, the company's next paragraph looks like it addresses that.
The company says they have a duty of care to all the other passengers to continue on without you. No duty of care for the poor soul who's already having a hard time with UKBA then? He's now got the added pressure of fighting for his goods or being left stranded! /facepalm
One wonders what will be 'excessively exceeding allowances' (groan) when the new guidelines come in of 1kg tobacco and 800 cigarettes?
I'm beginning to think that these coach trips are operated by the UKBA!
The UKBA/HMRC "Scales of Justice" for Cross-Border Shoppers
UKBA/HMRC stop 2 people. Neither person stopped knows each other, neither person has a criminal record or has ever been stopped before. Both have jobs, homes and ID as well as their passport to show their name and address.One is carrying tobacco (legal product) for personal use, the other is carrying drugs (illegal product) for personal use. Both will have their 'goods' seized. The one carrying drugs has commited a criminal offence, the one carrying tobacco has commited no criminal offence. The person with the drugs will be interviewed under criminal procedures and the one carrying tobacco will be interviewed under civil procedures.
The person carrying drugs
Person will be taken to an interview room where they have the following rights along with openess and transparency
- See a solicitor free of charge
- Have someone told where you are
- Read a copy of the Codes of practice, which explains the procedures the interview should follow in such circumstances
- You should be given a written note of these rights and cautioned
The outcome for the persons offence of carrying drugs for personal use will almost certainly be a caution (which the person has to agree to) or the person will be charged (or not) and then released on bail. lf charged, you are innocent until proven guilty. This will be in court where your guilt has to be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
The drugs will be seized and kept as evidence.
The person carrying tobacco
You will be questioned in most cases in full public view. There will be no openess and transparency in the interview.
You have no right to a solictor free of charge.
You won't be read a copy of the Codes of practice, which explains the procedures the UKBA/HMRC should follow in such circumstances.
You will not be given a written note of these rights or cautioned but you will be read the Commerciality Statement .“You have excise goods in your possession (control) which appear not to have borne UK duty. Goods may be held without payment of duty providing they have been acquired and are held for your own use. I suspect that you may be holding goods for a commercial purpose and not for your own use. I intend to ask you some questions to establish whether these goods are held for a commercial purpose. If no satisfactory explanation is forthcoming or if you do not stay for questioning it may lead me to conclude that the goods are not held for your own use but held for a commercial purpose and your goods (and vehicle) may be seized as liable to forfeiture.You are not under arrest and are free to leave at any time. Do you understand?”
... and so it begins
Documented incidents show there are no clear rules which govern the way in which a UKBA/HMRC officer can question a person, and are designed to place unfair pressure on a suspect. There won't be regular breaks for food etc, and one doubts you will see an interview room whether it's clean and properly heated or not. The UKBA/HMRC do follow a line of questioning which puts unreasonable pressure on the suspect. Someone who is deaf or has difficulty in understanding English should be given a signer or an interpreter.(really? look here)
The interview won't be recorded and the only record of the interview will be the UKBA/HMRC officers notebook that they will paraphrase this person's with the tobacco answers and then they will try and coerce this person to corroborate said notebook as a true and factual accont of the interview. ln other words sign a confession. This person will not get a copy of this notebook.
The tobacco goods are then seized and in all probability will be destroyed before this person with the tobacco will be able to get an appeal heard. This person will now have been found guilty to all intents and purposes as a smuggler (smuggling is a criminal offence) by default, by the UKBA/HMRC officer using the balance of probabilities (their interpretation 'balance') and not beyond reasonable doubt. This person's guilt as a smuggler is then recorded for future use against them by UKBA/HMRC.
Finally the UKBA/HMRC officer may then try to disuade this person from appealing by telling them that they have no chance of winning and will be liable for costs of 2500 pounds! Unless this person has the guts to fight this injustice, they will remain guilty. They have just 28 days to decide to fight this injustice ... and they'll probably have to fight it by themselves for they have no free legal team to help them ... unlike our person with the drugs!
What comes next for our person now without their tobacco and the person now without their drugs is just as biased ... and that's in our courts!
..........................................................................................................................................................
These are the "Scales of Justice" that the UKBA/HMRC use ... with a size 12 boot on the 'guilty' side but hey 'It's not an issue' to our etsteemed hypocritical representatives of "Freedom and Justice" <please read small print for exceptions..
Smokers are on their own ... period!
We Won another Appeal!
Very pleased with ourselves that we've helped somebody and actually made a difference .... again!
Time for a celebration JD ... or 2 or ....
How dare you use free trade in the EU to buy your tobacco?
Here is the strategy announced yesterday. There is little doubt that the cross-border shopper is a main target yet here's a thing ... the Russians don't seem to be mentioned despite Jin Ling cigarettes being made there. The Chinese are mentioned though.
The intention is to stop export of UK brands to the EU and also frighten the UK shopper from going to the EU to legally purchase their cigarettes for personal use. They really do believe that if they achieve this that the UK smoker will purchase his cigarettes/tobacco from UK retailers. Here's just a few examples of the scare tactics
4.31 We will reduce the minimum indicativelevels to 800 cigarettes and 1 kg hand-rolling tobacco in the autumn. These levels are used as a guide for determining whether tobacco products imported from the EU are for personal use. This will deter travellers who seek to abuse cross border shopping rules from purchasing large quantities of non-UK duty paid tobacco for illicit re-sale in the UK.
Will it? will it really? The laws have not changed regarding personal imports of EU duty paid cigarettes/tobacco. You can still bring back as much as you like .... period! You'll notice that there is no mention of the legitimate shopper at all in this strategy. ln fact the wording gives the impression that anyone purchasing over these 'limits' must be a smuggler! IT IS ALL JUST HUFF AND PUFF!
4.19 These include changes in EU and UK law to allow us to also assess those who hold or supply illicit tobacco for unpaid duty and levy penalties up to 100% of the value of tax evaded. For example, somebody caught smuggling 20,000 premium UK branded cigarettes costing around £4,000to purchase on the near-continent could now face the loss of that product, a tax bill of roughly £4,250 and a further penalty of up to £4,250 –a financial cost to the smuggler of around £12,500. These multiple sanctions can be applied against anyone caught in possession oftobacco on which duty hasn’t been paid.
Oh scary ... except for a couple of points. Smuggling is a criminal offence and as such there has to be evidence and a conviction which involves PACE and not Civil proceedings. The duty HAS been paid, it is paid in the EU country where the goods are bought. You will note the use of the words 'could' and 'can be' .... not 'will' and 'will be'. MORE HUFF AND PUFF!
Travel restrictions on repeat smugglers
See above
There is more l'd like to highlight from the strategy but l have no time at the moment but l will come back to it. Read it yourself and see what you think and leave comments or questions and l'll address them when l get back.
The intention is to stop export of UK brands to the EU and also frighten the UK shopper from going to the EU to legally purchase their cigarettes for personal use. They really do believe that if they achieve this that the UK smoker will purchase his cigarettes/tobacco from UK retailers. Here's just a few examples of the scare tactics
4.31 We will reduce the minimum indicativelevels to 800 cigarettes and 1 kg hand-rolling tobacco in the autumn. These levels are used as a guide for determining whether tobacco products imported from the EU are for personal use. This will deter travellers who seek to abuse cross border shopping rules from purchasing large quantities of non-UK duty paid tobacco for illicit re-sale in the UK.
Will it? will it really? The laws have not changed regarding personal imports of EU duty paid cigarettes/tobacco. You can still bring back as much as you like .... period! You'll notice that there is no mention of the legitimate shopper at all in this strategy. ln fact the wording gives the impression that anyone purchasing over these 'limits' must be a smuggler! IT IS ALL JUST HUFF AND PUFF!
4.19 These include changes in EU and UK law to allow us to also assess those who hold or supply illicit tobacco for unpaid duty and levy penalties up to 100% of the value of tax evaded. For example, somebody caught smuggling 20,000 premium UK branded cigarettes costing around £4,000to purchase on the near-continent could now face the loss of that product, a tax bill of roughly £4,250 and a further penalty of up to £4,250 –a financial cost to the smuggler of around £12,500. These multiple sanctions can be applied against anyone caught in possession oftobacco on which duty hasn’t been paid.
Oh scary ... except for a couple of points. Smuggling is a criminal offence and as such there has to be evidence and a conviction which involves PACE and not Civil proceedings. The duty HAS been paid, it is paid in the EU country where the goods are bought. You will note the use of the words 'could' and 'can be' .... not 'will' and 'will be'. MORE HUFF AND PUFF!
Travel restrictions on repeat smugglers
See above
There is more l'd like to highlight from the strategy but l have no time at the moment but l will come back to it. Read it yourself and see what you think and leave comments or questions and l'll address them when l get back.
"Give us your tobacco" demand gets "ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ!" reply.
Today we echo those words in defiance of the Governments new stategy on tobacco control. The UKBA are to implement reduced guidelines on cigarettes and tobacco bought legally in the EU. Simon reports it here and the Guardian here. They will announce that the guideline of 3200 cigarettes will be reduced to 800 cigarettes and tobacco guideline amounts to be 1kg from 3kg.
Firstly it has nothing to do with duty free, it's about EU duty paid goods. Duty free remains the same as it has for years and applies to non EU purchases. MSM can't even get that right and you'll note that comments are not enabled on the Guardian article so people like us cannot inform the public as to their rights.One would thing the MSM are working for the UKBA!
Guidelines are simply guidelines and nothing more. You still have the same rights to purchase as much as you like for personal use .... this has not changed! Don't be intimidated by them!
So folks, don't let the UKBA get away with this. Stand up for your rights and fight them but make sure you are prepared for the fight and be prepared!
Why the UKBA are hated. ##UPDATED##
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| a.k.a UKBA |
We have a man and wife, both smokers, with 4 children. He works hard for his family and that work entails overtime, night work and is often away from home.They have their own home (mortgaged) and pay all their bills and taxes. The wife handles the finances and in these current hard economic times she decided it would be a good idea to buy their tobacco abroad as it would save them hundreds of pounds. She knows that she could buy it off 'white van man' but sees that as being morally wrong. So, she applied for a passport and the trip was arranged. lt was her first trip abroad.
They went on a coach trip to Belgium and bought their tobacco. They kept to the UKBA guidelines so there would be no problems. What could possibly go wrong?
Step in UKBA ... they stopped this couple and took them for interrogation. They seperated them up and went through all their tactics including leaving this young wife by herself for 45mins in full view of all the passengers passing through.
At the end of the interrogation the UKBA confiscated their goods for the following reasons.
1. The husband 'lied'(UKBA definition of lying). He said that apart from his job he sometimes gambles and the money to pay for the trip came from recent wiinings which he won on the 'horses'. The winnings are paid into his bank account and can be verified. When UKBA asked him which horse he said that he's sorry but he calls it the 'horses' because his wife does not like him playing gaming machines ... specifically the automatic roulette machine. The husband hides the fact that he plays these machines to his wife by calling it the 'horses'. He replied 'horses' through force of habit. Despite the fact that he wins on this roulette machine and all the winnings are paid into his bank account the UKBA stated he 'lied' and therefore that was enough to confiscate his tobacco.
2. The wife was asked what she was smoking and she said Cutters Choice and she'd been sharing her husband's 50g pouch. When asked where it came from she said that her husband would have bought it in Belgium. When the husband was asked where the 50g Cutters Choice came from he said his mother gave him it. So, UKBA decided that because their stories don't match up that the wife's tobacco was confiscated too!
ls there any bloody integrity at all in the UKBA? This is what you are up against folks if you trust the UKBA. They are not your friends, they are not interested whether you have legally bought your tobacco or not. All they are interested in is confiscating tobacco to reach their targets ... by any means necessary!
l keep ramming this down your throats ... GO PREPARED!
UPDATE
More reasons to hate UKBA. Some of you will remember my complaint to UKBA re our illegal detainment at Doncaster Airport. and my subsequent response to their reply of my complaint.
Well l received a reply from UKBA to inform me that the procedure used in the initial response to my complaint was correct. Let me say that again .... THE PROCEDURE WAS CORRECT!
No investigation as to the facts of the complaint/response .... just the bloody procedure. The initial UKBA response could've just said 'l am a teapot' as long as the procedure was correct!
UKBA must be the most corrupt agency in UK Government history. What a bloody joke!
Ah well, Omsbudman next! Due process and all that. :)
UKBA arrest 2,800 in past year re E-Borders
In 2010/11, e-Borders alerts led to 2,800 arrests after the details of 126 million passengers were checked against 'watchlists' of suspects wanted by the UK Border Agency, police, SOCA and HM Revenue & Customs.
Currently the e-Borders system checks 90 per cent of flights from outside the EU, and up to 60 per cent of those from within the EU, to combat terrorist threats, spot organised criminals, stop immigration abuse and catch fugitives from justice.
In the last year, the e-Borders system flagged suspects wanted in connection with a number of serious crimes and resulted in the arrest of people wanted in connection with 18 murders, 27 rapes, 29 sex offences, and 25 violent crimes." ... more here
Oh how very impressive .... 2,800 arrests and they come up with "wanted in connection with 18 murders, 27 rapes, 29 sex offences, and 25 violent crimes" .... mmmm, no terrorists then? ... which if you remember was the reason of this E-Borders! You forgot? of course you did, that was the intention as it isn't anything to do with terrorism and never was.
Er, sorry for being pedantic but what about the other 2,701? What were their "crimes"? l say "crimes" because nowhere is there any list of actual convictions. These are all "suspects", "wanted in connection with", blah blah and that includes the afore mentioned 99!
Hold on though, UKBA have already decided your guilt. You are no longer a "suspect" because they lead with the headline:-
E-Borders captures 2,800 criminals at the border
Silly me, l thought that was for the courts to decide. Wonder what the other other 2,701 criminals have done? .... allegedly missed CSA payments?, parking fines? dropped a cigarette butt?, wheelybin violations? not filled in the Census? smoked in a company vehicle? or some other violation of the never ending regulations being put on the statute books?
Wonder how many of these criminals are foreign nationals? Don't bother looking it up because we all know that virtually everyone of these criminals will be British.
Just realised ... me and Zaphod are probably included in the 2,800! I'd forgot about this
Got to go now, l think armed police are surrounding the house! :)
Beware of Belgian Tobacco Shopkeepers ##UPDATED## 14/02/2012
lt's difficult enough to cope with the UKBA without the very people who depend upon our trade making it difficult too ... with a little extortion thrown in!
From Daytripper.net
Posted by Louise [User Info] [Email User] on April 13, 2011, 7:11 pm
86.12.108.60
Just had a call from freinds just been to Adinkerke today, shops all saying hardly any Amber leaf and you can only buy 3 packs of GV if you buy 16 cartons of ciggies.Is this a permanent thing?love to all Louise xxx
Posted by Tuum Est [User Info] [Email User] on April 14, 2011, 12:45 pm, in reply to "Adinkerke"
86.149.51.247
If this is truly the case Louise then this shop is simply profiteering and putting the shopper in a vulnerable position. If stopped by the UKBA, said shopper has realistically only 2 options ... lie about the cigarettes being for personal use or tell the truth and say they are not for personal use. Either way puts the shopper at increased risk.
A very small minority may smoke both but l personally know of none.
lf shops are doing this they should be named and shamed ... period!
Posted by Louise [User Info] [Email User] on April 14, 2011, 4:35 pm, in reply to "Re: Adinkerke"
86.12.108.60
Apparently this happened in every shop they went in, the big one with the 2 Blues Brothers figures outside would not let you buy any tobacco at all unless you were buying 16 boxes of ciggies, the big one on the corner where the kiddes skate park wouldnt let you have any baccy at all unless you were buying 10 boxes and then they would let you have 3 packs of GV, PJs and every shop on the front street were the same, they got some eventually at the big one on the left as you first go into the street but they only got 4 packs.
We were planning to go, but if we cant get anything, there doesnt seem to be any point,GV and Drum now £47 amber leaf £42 if you could get any, petrol and deisel is dearer there now than in UK.
Has anyone got any ideas if there is somewhere we can go to get baccy please?
Tanks love Louise xx
Posted by WALKERSTEEL [User Info] [Email User] on April 14, 2011, 6:45 pm, in reply to "Re: Adinkerke"
91.125.100.79
Louise, get youself to Ostend. 5 tobacco shops and all had stocks of Amber, GV, and Cutters when I was there 2 weeks ago although it can be hit and miss I'm told as it depends on delivery days. British Discount Tobacco (opposite the railway station) always has stocks of Amber and will let you have 3 packs of ten Amber per person max, so get the people with you who don't want Amber can get some for you as well.
Posted by Wee Jinty Hopper [User Info] [Email User] on April 14, 2011, 6:53 pm, in reply to "Adinkerke"
82.32.50.63 | Message modified by user Wee Jinty Hopper April 14, 2011, 6:56 pm
Went there on March 27 - no Amber Leaf anywhere, ended up with Gold Leaf.
The big Real Tobacco on the canal road tried something like that on with us with GV - we can sell you x packs if you buy y packs of something else.
Looks like Adenkerke is going down the tubes.....
UPDATE
I have to say that l have had no problems with the Tobacco Shops in Bruge. They have been superb. You can ring or e-mail orders and they are there waiting for you.
FURTHER UPDATE
15/02/2012 There are no such policies in force at any of the Tobacco Shops in Belgium that we have heard of. We were at Real Tobacco in Adinkerke and Ostende on 14th Feb and the service was excellent.
From Daytripper.net
Posted by Louise [User Info] [Email User] on April 13, 2011, 7:11 pm
86.12.108.60
Just had a call from freinds just been to Adinkerke today, shops all saying hardly any Amber leaf and you can only buy 3 packs of GV if you buy 16 cartons of ciggies.Is this a permanent thing?love to all Louise xxx
Posted by Tuum Est [User Info] [Email User] on April 14, 2011, 12:45 pm, in reply to "Adinkerke"
86.149.51.247
If this is truly the case Louise then this shop is simply profiteering and putting the shopper in a vulnerable position. If stopped by the UKBA, said shopper has realistically only 2 options ... lie about the cigarettes being for personal use or tell the truth and say they are not for personal use. Either way puts the shopper at increased risk.
A very small minority may smoke both but l personally know of none.
lf shops are doing this they should be named and shamed ... period!
Posted by Louise [User Info] [Email User] on April 14, 2011, 4:35 pm, in reply to "Re: Adinkerke"
86.12.108.60
Apparently this happened in every shop they went in, the big one with the 2 Blues Brothers figures outside would not let you buy any tobacco at all unless you were buying 16 boxes of ciggies, the big one on the corner where the kiddes skate park wouldnt let you have any baccy at all unless you were buying 10 boxes and then they would let you have 3 packs of GV, PJs and every shop on the front street were the same, they got some eventually at the big one on the left as you first go into the street but they only got 4 packs.
We were planning to go, but if we cant get anything, there doesnt seem to be any point,GV and Drum now £47 amber leaf £42 if you could get any, petrol and deisel is dearer there now than in UK.
Has anyone got any ideas if there is somewhere we can go to get baccy please?
Tanks love Louise xx
Posted by WALKERSTEEL [User Info] [Email User] on April 14, 2011, 6:45 pm, in reply to "Re: Adinkerke"
91.125.100.79
Louise, get youself to Ostend. 5 tobacco shops and all had stocks of Amber, GV, and Cutters when I was there 2 weeks ago although it can be hit and miss I'm told as it depends on delivery days. British Discount Tobacco (opposite the railway station) always has stocks of Amber and will let you have 3 packs of ten Amber per person max, so get the people with you who don't want Amber can get some for you as well.
Posted by Wee Jinty Hopper [User Info] [Email User] on April 14, 2011, 6:53 pm, in reply to "Adinkerke"
82.32.50.63 | Message modified by user Wee Jinty Hopper April 14, 2011, 6:56 pm
Went there on March 27 - no Amber Leaf anywhere, ended up with Gold Leaf.
The big Real Tobacco on the canal road tried something like that on with us with GV - we can sell you x packs if you buy y packs of something else.
Looks like Adenkerke is going down the tubes.....
UPDATE
I have to say that l have had no problems with the Tobacco Shops in Bruge. They have been superb. You can ring or e-mail orders and they are there waiting for you.
FURTHER UPDATE
15/02/2012 There are no such policies in force at any of the Tobacco Shops in Belgium that we have heard of. We were at Real Tobacco in Adinkerke and Ostende on 14th Feb and the service was excellent.
Gang steals over 5000 cars per year with total impunity
What? how difficult can it be? Are all the confiscations listed on UKBA's computers or not? lf they are (as they damn well should be) a 5 yr old could get the figure. So, we have a government agency saying that they don't know how many vehicles they've confiscated. Yet, these vehicles are then auctioned off so how do they account for the money they get for them? Then some are scrapped ... how do they account for the money for this?
Despite the High Court saying that confiscating cars is not justified when the value of the car far outweighs any duty being allegedly avoided, it still goes on ... daily. I agree that some will be smugglers but not all by any means. On the prog Smugglers on ITV tonight we saw a man get his car confiscated because him and his mate had 50kg of tobacco. Fair enough you might think but how about the guy who had his 3 yr old van confiscated because he had 4kg of tobacco? No, it wasn't on the prog, it's an appeal l'm dealing with at this moment in time.
You've probably seen some of the comments on Simon's blog saying that what happens at the borders with UK shoppers isn't an issue and is of no concern. Well, excuse me but it bloody well is. People are getting their lives ruined by the UKBA on the most flimsiest excuses and yet it doesn't matter?? To us it does!
Returning to the prog, SBC commented :-
"The man from Up North with the company car was a prime example of what not to do.
Ok he was no doubt a smuggler and not a legit shopper but he could give a Master Class in how to have your goods and car confiscated.
He lied, he changed his story and worst of all he concealed."
l totally agree and another case of showing what happens when you go shopping totally unprepared. l also agree with that he was a smuggler but let me give you another scenario. If 2 family men who smoked went and bought 25kg each for personal use and they were totally prepared they could follow the path of Zaphod who brought back 27kg of tobacco for personal use ... even though he does not smoke roll-ups!.
Go prepared folks ... or pay the price!
The UKBA and the Black Spot ##Updated##
Once aboard the ferry we settled in and then went for a meal. They are not cheap but it was good. We got talking to some coach drivers and they told us about previous companies they had worked for. We got round to booze trips and was amazed to find that some coach companies are actively giving the UKBA the names of their own passengers! One coach driver said he was told to give details of any passengers going into the tobacco shops ... and that wasn't a booze cruise! Again, make up your own minds on that.
Arriving in Hull the next day, we disembarked the ferry and we drove through passport control. My sister asked if that was it and we were free to go? l told her no, that just lulls you into a false sense of security and next was the UKBA sheds and l fully expected to be stopped and searched.
Sure enough as we approached the sheds, there was a UKBA officer stood waiting for us. The 2 cars ahead (foreign plates) had simply been waved on. Once into the sheds we were directed to a control point where a female UKBA officer proceeded to go through the usual circus. l popped the boot and got out, taking a folder with me. As she was looking in the boot, l took some papers out of my folder and then got her attention. l then handed her a Statement of Truth ... you'd have thought it was the dreaded 'Black Spot' by the reaction on her face.
The search of my vehicle and luggage stopped there and then before she had really even started. She went off and got another officer who in turn got his senior officer. My Statement of Truth listed previous trips, what l had and what l hadn't brought back, names of or ID numbers of the UKBA officers who'd stopped me on these previous trips, when and where these stops happened. Also listed was the details of this trip, what l'd bought and the why's thereof, my right to do so according to EU and UK laws. What my sister had bought and all the relevant said details.
It also stated that because the UKBA view previous trips as all being trips purchasing tobacco/cigarettes whenever they stop you with such goods that l was collecting and documenting my own history so this could not be used against me at anytime in the future.
The UKBA love to quote "laws" at you and give you official pieces of paper when trying to confiscate your legally bought goods but they aren't so happy at receiving it! They simply did not know how to proceed. l could see them talking and discussing the Black Spot and then the senior officer went to make phone calls. ln all this time myself and my sister were left alone. My sister took out a crossword book and started on that and l put on my i-pod and listened to music.
Eventually the female officer returned and said l was free to go and handed my Statement of Truth back to me. l took it and along with another copy of it and asked her for her name and ID. She choose not to give me her name but did give me her ID number and took off her hi-viz jacket to reveal the number. The other UKBA officer returned so l got his too and wrote them down on the statements. l then signed and dated both, my sister did the same. l then asked her to choose either copy but seemed afraid of handling the Black Spot so l put it on the table at the control point for her.
l then got in my vehicle, said my goodbyes and left.
Next to come was my trip to Poland. One would think l'd avoid the airport where l had such an ordeal ... Doncaster, Robin Hood Airport. No such thing ... l informed UKBA of my trip to Poland and also informed the Chief Inspector of South Yorks Police of said trip. There was no reply from UKBA but the Chief Inspector said he had informed his officers at the airport of my trip and my continuing issues with UKBA.
Before l went on my trip to Poland another Black Spot had to be produced to take with me.
Hey ho, m'earties!
##UPDATE##
Tomorrow l should get the review to my complaint. Am l expecting satisfaction? .... No. What l expect is a load of waffle and 'not in the public interest' non disclosure statements despite having them bang to rights both legally and morally. I await to see if l'm proven wrong.
I must apologise for calling UKBA the Stasi, SS etc
 |
| NOT UKBA |
They don't have the power of life and death!
They don't have the power to shoot you if you don't comply!
They don't have the power to arrest you and throw away the key!
They don't have the power to execute you!
They don't have the power to physically assault you or torture you!
They don't have the power people think they have!
To call the UKBA the SS/Stasi etc is just adding to the myth of their powers. Sure, some of them act like they are SS/Stasi etc but they can put on their fancy dress outfits, get aggressive, arrogant or whatever ... as much as they desire. ln the end they are just another UKBA official who you do NOT have to be frightened of.
I refuse to add to their myth of power as it may deter future EU Shoppers from going to buy their goods.
Challenge them and they crumble .... just say 'NO' and stand up for your rights.
 |
| These are real SS |
 |
| UKBA pretending to be SS |
Here's what's been happening at our ports and airports to ordinary British Citizens. British Citizens experiences of the UKBA
h/t daytripper
Further reply from P&O
This is in response to initial letter and first reply. lt's gone from the CEO Helen Deeble to Communications Director Chris Laming and finally Onboard Services Director Mike O'Dwyer.
P&O's reply
Dear #######
Thank you for your letter dated 8th June, which has been forwarded on to me by the Communications Director to respond concerning your HMRC queries.
Having noted the contents of your letter I cannot disagree with the sentiment. I was aware of the changes in the UK guidelines in January 2010, and that the HMRC website changed in February to reflect these new guidelines.
We have an obligation to make our customers aware that there are still restrictions on the amounts they can bring into the UK (and the EU), but ultimately the responsibility for understanding HMRC UK rules and regulations rests with the traveller; however we have already requested the new HMRC leaflet, and have sent another reminder today to HMRC to enable us to display the leaflet accordingly.
I am pleased to note that when you questioned our staff onboard they remained courteous and I will remind them that any questions that our passengers have in relation to the HMRC regulations should be directed to HMRC.
I will be forwarding a copy of your letter to HMRC headquarters
Once again thank you for bringing this matter to my attention.
Regards
Mike O'Dwyer
On Board Services Director
Oh dear Mr O'Dwyer, you knew of the changes in Jan 2010 and yet you did nothing to see that the information on your ships was updated? You allowed the false information to be displayed on your ships that you knew would be read by your own passengers .... poor show Mr O'Dwyer.
Yes it is the responsibility of your pax to understand HMRC's regs but it would help your pax if you displayed the correct info!
There has been no mention of the sign displayed in the onboard shop that is 2 and a half years out of date and no confirmation that the false information has been removed. P&O are certainly not Hoverspeed when it comes to looking after their pax welfare. They seem to want to be HMRC's friend and not the pax.
Back to the CEO it seems. :)
p.s. pax = passengers :)
P&O's reply
Dear #######
Thank you for your letter dated 8th June, which has been forwarded on to me by the Communications Director to respond concerning your HMRC queries.
Having noted the contents of your letter I cannot disagree with the sentiment. I was aware of the changes in the UK guidelines in January 2010, and that the HMRC website changed in February to reflect these new guidelines.
We have an obligation to make our customers aware that there are still restrictions on the amounts they can bring into the UK (and the EU), but ultimately the responsibility for understanding HMRC UK rules and regulations rests with the traveller; however we have already requested the new HMRC leaflet, and have sent another reminder today to HMRC to enable us to display the leaflet accordingly.
I am pleased to note that when you questioned our staff onboard they remained courteous and I will remind them that any questions that our passengers have in relation to the HMRC regulations should be directed to HMRC.
I will be forwarding a copy of your letter to HMRC headquarters
Once again thank you for bringing this matter to my attention.
Regards
Mike O'Dwyer
On Board Services Director
Oh dear Mr O'Dwyer, you knew of the changes in Jan 2010 and yet you did nothing to see that the information on your ships was updated? You allowed the false information to be displayed on your ships that you knew would be read by your own passengers .... poor show Mr O'Dwyer.
Yes it is the responsibility of your pax to understand HMRC's regs but it would help your pax if you displayed the correct info!
There has been no mention of the sign displayed in the onboard shop that is 2 and a half years out of date and no confirmation that the false information has been removed. P&O are certainly not Hoverspeed when it comes to looking after their pax welfare. They seem to want to be HMRC's friend and not the pax.
Back to the CEO it seems. :)
p.s. pax = passengers :)
FFS! ... Incompetence or lying devious b##tards! PART 3
Reply from FCO! see Part 1 Part 2
Thank you for your email of 13 June 2010 which was received to the Consular section of our Embassy in Riga. I am sorry to hear about incorrect customs information displayed on the travel advice section of the FCO website that covers Latvia, and have now ensured that the situation is corrected with regards to the personal allowances of cigarettes from Latvia to the UK.
The FCO places great importance on providing accurate and up to date information on our web pages. This is particularly true of FCO Travel Advice as it assists British nationals to make informed choices on travel destinations and behaviour that can ultimately lead to a safer and more pleasant trip. I am sorry that on this occasion incorrect information was displayed.
I understand that the changes in customs regulations only came to our attention on 21 May, despite having been in place since 1 January. Despite investigation, I have been unable to track down where the break in communication was, but the travel advice of the various countries involved were duly updated once it came to our attention. Unfortunately, as you rightly point out, the Latvian travel advice page was not updated along with the others. This was an administrative oversight and has now been corrected.
Thank you for taking the time and trouble to write to us with your concerns, and please be assured that we have rectified the matter and will ensure greater vigilance on this matter in the future.
Yours sincerely
V Bates
Baltic Desk Officer
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
You've got to laugh at the incompetence they readily admit to with no shame whatsoever. Afterall, why should they care about the welfare of UK citizens in other countries ... it isn't as though that's what they are there for, is it?. Wait a minute ...
Thank you for your email of 13 June 2010 which was received to the Consular section of our Embassy in Riga. I am sorry to hear about incorrect customs information displayed on the travel advice section of the FCO website that covers Latvia, and have now ensured that the situation is corrected with regards to the personal allowances of cigarettes from Latvia to the UK.
The FCO places great importance on providing accurate and up to date information on our web pages. This is particularly true of FCO Travel Advice as it assists British nationals to make informed choices on travel destinations and behaviour that can ultimately lead to a safer and more pleasant trip. I am sorry that on this occasion incorrect information was displayed.
I understand that the changes in customs regulations only came to our attention on 21 May, despite having been in place since 1 January. Despite investigation, I have been unable to track down where the break in communication was, but the travel advice of the various countries involved were duly updated once it came to our attention. Unfortunately, as you rightly point out, the Latvian travel advice page was not updated along with the others. This was an administrative oversight and has now been corrected.
Thank you for taking the time and trouble to write to us with your concerns, and please be assured that we have rectified the matter and will ensure greater vigilance on this matter in the future.
Yours sincerely
V Bates
Baltic Desk Officer
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
You've got to laugh at the incompetence they readily admit to with no shame whatsoever. Afterall, why should they care about the welfare of UK citizens in other countries ... it isn't as though that's what they are there for, is it?. Wait a minute ...
Read and weep .... HM Revenue and Customs
Written correspondence to HMRC regarding EU shopping
..........................................
To intenquiries@hmrc.gov.co.uk 13th June 2010
Dear Sir or Madam,
please answer in full the following specific questions. Thank you.
1. What do HMRC consider to be the shelf life of (a) rolling tobacco and (b) cigarettes?
2. Do HMRC consider a bank loan, private loan or credit card acceptable to purchasing alcohol/tobacco in the EU to bring back to UK for personal use? This is in ref to one of your questions you may ask (as per HMRC advice) if l were to be stopped by HMRC upon my return to UK. .... how you paid for them
3. The alcohol/tobacco would be for my wife and myself although my wife would not be travelling with me to purchase the goods in the EU and bring them back to the UK. (a) is this acceptable? or (b) are they classed as gifts?
Thank you,
#####
.....................................................
Reply from HMRC
CUSTOMS, INTERNATIONAL TRADE & EXCISE ENQUIRIES
Crownhill Court
Tailyour Road
Plymouth
PL6 5BZ
Tel 01752 755723
Fax 01752 765807
Email intenquiries@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
Date 15/06/2010
Our Ref #### - ##### www.hmrc.gov.uk
Your Ref
Dear Danny
Thank you for your email sent on 13 June 2010 regarding bringing alcohol and tobacco into the UK from other EU countries.
When arriving into the UK from an EU country you can bring in an unlimited amount of most goods.
For excise goods such as alcohol and tobacco, there are no restrictions. However you must meet the conditions below:
• You transport the goods yourself.
• The goods are for your own use or as a gift. If the person you give the goods to pays you in any way (including reimbursing you for any expenses or payment in kind), then it's not a gift and the goods may be seized.
• The goods are duty and tax paid in the EU country where they were acquired.
If you don't meet these conditions, the goods (and any vehicle that transported them) may be seized.
If a customs official from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) thinks you may be bringing in excise goods such as alcohol and tobacco from the EU for commercial use - perhaps to sell to other people or simply for reimbursement - they may ask you questions and make checks.
You may be asked about:
• the type and quantity of goods you’ve bought
• why you bought them
• how you paid for them
• how often you travel
• how much you normally smoke or drink
The customs official would make their decision when the goods were brought into the UK based on all the information provided in response to the questions asked.
I must emphasise that the advice given is based on the information you have supplied. If the nature of the transaction changes in technical detail, or the relevant details provided were incomplete or incorrect, we will not be bound by this ruling.
We are currently experiencing higher than usual call volumes on the National Advice Helpline following the issue of VAT Mandation letters. We have trained additional advisors who are handling these calls now and further advisors will join the National Advice Helpline next week. Our National Advice Helpline is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday. The less busy periods are from 8am to 8.30am.
Our NAS Enquiries page on our website provides details of alternative methods of contact.
Yours sincerely
Pam Wormington
Officer of Revenue & Customs
-------------------------
Reply to Pam Wormington 16th June 2010
Dear Ms Wormington,
l asked specific questions and you have totally ignored them .l did not ask for something that is in your lealets and on your website although these do say that if you have any questions to contact HMRC. Your response is simply not good enough. lf you cannot answer my questions please pass them on to someone else who is capable of doing so.
Once again, here are my specific questions.
Dear Sir or Madam,
please answer in full the following specific questions. Thank you.
1. What do HMRC consider to be the shelf life of (a) rolling tobacco and (b) cigarettes?
2. Do HMRC consider a bank loan, private loan or credit card acceptable to purchasing alcohol/tobacco in the EU to bring back to the UK for personal use? This is in ref to one of your questions you may ask (as per HMRC advice) if l were to be stopped by HMRC upon my return to UK. .... how you paid for them
3. The alcohol/tobacco would be for my wife and myself although my wife would not be travelling with me to purchase the goods in the EU and bring them back to the UK. (a) is this acceptable? or (b) are they classed as gifts?
Thank you,
#####
......................................................
What response will our friend Danny get back from HMRC, l wonder? :)
..........................................
To intenquiries@hmrc.gov.co.uk 13th June 2010
Dear Sir or Madam,
please answer in full the following specific questions. Thank you.
1. What do HMRC consider to be the shelf life of (a) rolling tobacco and (b) cigarettes?
2. Do HMRC consider a bank loan, private loan or credit card acceptable to purchasing alcohol/tobacco in the EU to bring back to UK for personal use? This is in ref to one of your questions you may ask (as per HMRC advice) if l were to be stopped by HMRC upon my return to UK. .... how you paid for them
3. The alcohol/tobacco would be for my wife and myself although my wife would not be travelling with me to purchase the goods in the EU and bring them back to the UK. (a) is this acceptable? or (b) are they classed as gifts?
Thank you,
#####
.....................................................
Reply from HMRC
CUSTOMS, INTERNATIONAL TRADE & EXCISE ENQUIRIES
Crownhill Court
Tailyour Road
Plymouth
PL6 5BZ
Tel 01752 755723
Fax 01752 765807
Email intenquiries@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
Date 15/06/2010
Our Ref #### - ##### www.hmrc.gov.uk
Your Ref
Dear Danny
Thank you for your email sent on 13 June 2010 regarding bringing alcohol and tobacco into the UK from other EU countries.
When arriving into the UK from an EU country you can bring in an unlimited amount of most goods.
For excise goods such as alcohol and tobacco, there are no restrictions. However you must meet the conditions below:
• You transport the goods yourself.
• The goods are for your own use or as a gift. If the person you give the goods to pays you in any way (including reimbursing you for any expenses or payment in kind), then it's not a gift and the goods may be seized.
• The goods are duty and tax paid in the EU country where they were acquired.
If you don't meet these conditions, the goods (and any vehicle that transported them) may be seized.
If a customs official from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) thinks you may be bringing in excise goods such as alcohol and tobacco from the EU for commercial use - perhaps to sell to other people or simply for reimbursement - they may ask you questions and make checks.
You may be asked about:
• the type and quantity of goods you’ve bought
• why you bought them
• how you paid for them
• how often you travel
• how much you normally smoke or drink
The customs official would make their decision when the goods were brought into the UK based on all the information provided in response to the questions asked.
I must emphasise that the advice given is based on the information you have supplied. If the nature of the transaction changes in technical detail, or the relevant details provided were incomplete or incorrect, we will not be bound by this ruling.
We are currently experiencing higher than usual call volumes on the National Advice Helpline following the issue of VAT Mandation letters. We have trained additional advisors who are handling these calls now and further advisors will join the National Advice Helpline next week. Our National Advice Helpline is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday. The less busy periods are from 8am to 8.30am.
Our NAS Enquiries page on our website provides details of alternative methods of contact.
Yours sincerely
Pam Wormington
Officer of Revenue & Customs
-------------------------
Reply to Pam Wormington 16th June 2010
Dear Ms Wormington,
l asked specific questions and you have totally ignored them .l did not ask for something that is in your lealets and on your website although these do say that if you have any questions to contact HMRC. Your response is simply not good enough. lf you cannot answer my questions please pass them on to someone else who is capable of doing so.
Once again, here are my specific questions.
Dear Sir or Madam,
please answer in full the following specific questions. Thank you.
1. What do HMRC consider to be the shelf life of (a) rolling tobacco and (b) cigarettes?
2. Do HMRC consider a bank loan, private loan or credit card acceptable to purchasing alcohol/tobacco in the EU to bring back to the UK for personal use? This is in ref to one of your questions you may ask (as per HMRC advice) if l were to be stopped by HMRC upon my return to UK. .... how you paid for them
3. The alcohol/tobacco would be for my wife and myself although my wife would not be travelling with me to purchase the goods in the EU and bring them back to the UK. (a) is this acceptable? or (b) are they classed as gifts?
Thank you,
#####
......................................................
What response will our friend Danny get back from HMRC, l wonder? :)
Reply from P&O
The reply stated that they wished to maintain good relations with their passengers and HMRC. They also wished to provide the passengers with correct and up to date information.
My letter was being forwarded to the director who maintains relations between the Onboard Services and HMRC.
No mention that the leaflets and signs were out of date and gave the wrong information. l'll give them the benefit of the doubt for the moment and wait for the reply from this other director. Maybe they want definite answers off HMRC first?
However ....
Maintaining good relations with HMRC??? This is the HMRC that is preying on their passengers and effecting their own business? ls this the HMRC that supplies leaflets that are false and totally out of date to them? What is the point?
l think P&O should look how Hoverspeed fared with HMRC
l also wrote to the Vice Director of HMRC at same time as the CEO of P&O ... not got a reply yet. :)
My letter was being forwarded to the director who maintains relations between the Onboard Services and HMRC.
No mention that the leaflets and signs were out of date and gave the wrong information. l'll give them the benefit of the doubt for the moment and wait for the reply from this other director. Maybe they want definite answers off HMRC first?
However ....
Maintaining good relations with HMRC??? This is the HMRC that is preying on their passengers and effecting their own business? ls this the HMRC that supplies leaflets that are false and totally out of date to them? What is the point?
l think P&O should look how Hoverspeed fared with HMRC
l also wrote to the Vice Director of HMRC at same time as the CEO of P&O ... not got a reply yet. :)
lt's all in the words
Recently my friend got stopped by Customs.
Customs Officer "l need you to answer some questions"
My friend "Your needs are not my concern" :)
Listen carefully when being talked to by a Customs Officer or indeed Policeman or any official.
They seldom give you an order, it is more often than not simply a request but people hear it as an order because it comes from a person in a uniform
e.g. Official "Would you mind coming this way, please sir?"
Reply " Yes l would mind, thank you"
Listen to the words!
Customs Officer "l need you to answer some questions"
My friend "Your needs are not my concern" :)
Listen carefully when being talked to by a Customs Officer or indeed Policeman or any official.
They seldom give you an order, it is more often than not simply a request but people hear it as an order because it comes from a person in a uniform
e.g. Official "Would you mind coming this way, please sir?"
Reply " Yes l would mind, thank you"
Listen to the words!
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