Annex 2
JOINT SPIRITS FRAUD TASK FORCE (JSFTF)
TERMS OF
REFERENCE
The JSFTF is an initiative between HM Customs
and Excise and the UK spirits industry which aims to improve the
efficiency and effectiveness of Customs activity to tackle spirits
smuggling and fraud to their mutual benefit.
The JSFTF will achieve this by:
— Involving the main trade representatives
for the UK spirits producers (the Scotch Whisky Association and
the Gin and Vodka Association of Great Britain), spirits importers
(the Wine and Spirit Association), spirits transporters and warehousekeepers,
and (as appropriate) individual companies;
— Meeting on a regular basis at working
level, as a single forum or in sub-groups as appropriate, and
with occasional meetings at senior (Chief Executive and, if appropriate,
Ministerial) level;
— Building a shared understanding of
the scope and nature of the problem;
— Developing and maintaining innovative
ways of jointly combating fraud and of minimising the impact of
HMC&E activity on the legitimate trade, making best use of
technology wherever possible;
— Establishing and maintaining a network
of two-way "fast track" contacts to help:
— HMC&E identify and discredit
illicit spirits consignments and to disrupt the associated supply
chains, and
— the spirits industry and trade
to detect and prevent fraud and the sale of illicit and counterfeit
product;
— Establishing and maintaining procedures
and pathways, within a legal framework, for the structured and
regular two-way exchange of data and intelligence;
— Agreeing and implementing Memoranda
of Understanding between HMC&E and the spirits industry and
trade, as appropriate;
— Promoting good practice;
— Liaising with other Government departments
and agencies as appropriate in support of the JSFTF objectives;
and
— Regularly assessing and reporting
the impact of the JSFTF work.
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