Cam Lock Passes Export Test with Flying Colours
2 May 2024
“There is absolutely no room for error with our products – people’s lives depend on them”, says Cam Lock’s group business manager Craig Hicks.
Cam Lock is one of the world's leading manufacturers of personal protection life support systems, including high-tech breathing masks for firefighters, military pilots, and oil-rig workers.
Governments class many of Cam Lock’s products as “dual use”, meaning that though they are designed for civilian applications, they have the potential be put to military use. So, when it comes to export procedures, there is no room for error either, because HMRC has the right to scrutinise up to four years of a company’s past records, and the penalties for infringements can be severe.
When HMRC’s Export Control Joint Unit sent warning of an upcoming audit earlier this year, Cam Lock decided to get expert help from Chamber International, to make sure they were fully ready for the challenge.
CI’s customs specialist Vincent Taylor led the way, conducting a health check of the business in February, delivering on-site training for key staff in March, and developing new customs procedures. He left the company in good shape to meet the ECJU’s high expectations, with the audit planned for 3rd of April. But then, the day before the audit, Vincent received worrying news – Cam Lock’s long-serving export manager had been taken ill and was in hospital.
At this very short notice, it was arranged that Vincent would make an emergency visit the following day. The ECJU auditor even took the unusual step of allowing him to be present in the room during the audit, but still the pressure was on Cam Lock’s team to impress the auditor, despite this setback.
“They did an incredible job”, says Vincent, “every time the auditor asked to see evidence of something, or a particular document, Arun (Cam Lock’s sales office project controller) was able to retrieve what was needed immediately. Until a few months ago, he hadn’t really dealt with dual-use controls, and had only shadowed the export manager in this regard. His records were well prepared and up-to-date. The managing director and other senior managers were also present for the whole two-hour meeting, demonstrating the kind of commitment that the ECJU loves to see”.
When satisfied with an audit like this, the ECJU usually gives a company one year of grace before any future review. On the strength of their performance, Cam Lock was actually given two years.
Craig Hicks said, “We are so proud of what has been achieved. Even though we are not a large company, with Chamber International’s help, we now have robust export procedures that can stand up to the toughest scrutiny. We also have a team within the company who understand the big picture with regard to customs activities, as well as their own detailed roles, and can stand in for each other at a moment’s notice. We’re stronger because of this”.
Contact Chamber International today for expert assistance on origin, methods of payment, customs clearance, export controls and more. We help you get it right first time, and maximise your profits when trading internationally.
Follow Chamber International on Twitter @ChamberInt and on Facebook for the latest in international trade.
