It hosted the event in the latest bid to enhance trade links between the island and France, particularly imports from the continent, on the back of the success so far of the link-up with Brittany Ferries on the French sea route.
‘We’re very keen to encourage trade, in particular with France,’ said Chris Morris of the States’ international trade relations and business engagement.
He and his colleagues were ready to support local and French businesses.
He said the aim of the webinar was to address concerns that local companies might have about the customs elements of importing goods.
‘We don’t want the thought that the customs issues are a barrier to trade. In fact, they’re not.’
The department would be happy to support and encourage firms who wished to get involved, he said, as well as link them with businesses in France to encourage bilateral trade, particularly in St Malo and the Brittany region as well as across France and the wider EU.
The St Malo Chamber of Commerce, its regional authorities and St Malo’s commercial operators were also keen, said Mr Morris.
‘Getting goods from mainland Europe into Guernsey via St Malo is straightforward – if the paperwork, codes and declarations are right,’ said Chamber executive director Alice Gill.
Emma Webb, head of the Customs and Excise Division of the Customs and Immigration Service, said that Brexit had led to Guernsey joining a customs union with the UK, Jersey and the Isle of Man.
This also enabled the island to benefit from being included in free trade arrangements that the UK has negotiated with other international parties, if it was in the island’s interest.
Customs and Excise senior advisory officer Jamie Edwards spoke about the need for customs import declarations on any freight brought in from outside the Customs Union as well as on goods valued over £135.
If a business was unable to make and submit this declaration itself, it could ask a third party to do it for them, such as a customs agent, he said.
The webinar can be viewed here.