Defra Import/Export Consultation Exchange (DICE)
Constitution
This document, to inform and guide the meetings and work of DICE, was agreed by participants at the inaugural meeting on 1st September 2004
Purpose
1. The Import/Export Consultation Exchange is the forum by which Defra consults and engages in regular debate with a wide spectrum of import/export trade interests.
2. Defra seeks a high degree of involvement with speedy agreed resolution to any issues brought to the forum. Simplifying and standardising trade regulation procedures where possible shall be the primary objective of these discussions.
Membership
3. Defra will ensure adequate representation of its regulatory functions, e.g. Animal Health & Welfare, Plant Health, Horticultural Marketing, Organic Produce etc. according to the issues on published meeting agendas.
4. Representatives of other regulators are also included.
5. Representatives of trade associations or other representative bodies with interests in the international trade and movement in animals, POAO, plants and POPO only are welcome. Members will not solely represent individual company business interests.
Structure and methods
6. The DICE shall normally be chaired by Defra.
7. Meetings shall be open to visitors and observers.
8. DICE meetings will be held three or four times annually, at a convenient central location, or at or near ports or airports.
9. Secretariat services shall be provided initially by SITPRO, by Defra as soon as organisational changes permit.
10. As the forum agrees, small working groups can be set up to look into and report back on specific issues, or finalise them, as members shall decide.
11. Meetings shall be conducted so as to facilitate meaningful discussion and an exchange of views and ideas on the procedures and documentation relating to the entry controls and clearance of goods, including issues which would involve engaging with the machinery of the European Commission to effect changes to regulations of the European Union.
Page last modified:
22 December 2004
Page published: 22 November 2004