A Brief History of the BWA
The Bonded Warehousekeepers Association (BWA) is a non-profit membership based association providing a professional service to its members and related organisations specifically involved in Customs and Excise warehousing. Their origins date way back nearly 140 years with the first ever meeting held at the Steels Hotel on Queen Street in Glasgow on the 12th May 1885. Of the 10 Glasgow-based companies were represented and from the original group only Whyte & Mackay remain in business today.
Since then, the organisation has certainly changed a lot to better suit the modern day industry, not least with the original one shilling annual membership fee. The BWA now serves as a network facilitating collaboration, trade and knowledge sharing amongst its 120 members across every corner of the customs and excise bonded storage sector from alcohol producers to HMRC compliance officials and everything in between.
The Purpose of the BWA
Now established as the industries only body offering support and guidance within the realm of bonded warehousing, the purpose of the BWA has and remains to be to promote interests of its members. The group are very proactive in supporting their members with legislation changes as well as bringing about positive change for the industry being actively participates with HMRC and sitting on a number of key task forces such as the Joint Alcohol and Tobacco Consultation Group (JATCG) and the Joint Alcohol Anti-Fraud group (JAAF).
Beginning a New Era
Refreshing the Organisation
In December 2023, the BWA launched a new logo ahead of the organisation's annual Christmas Lunch at the Merchant House of Glasgow. It was made clear that this was not a rebrand but a refresh as the group look to the future. The new logo incorporates the BWA's four key focus areas, known as “compass points”:
“This refresh reflects the evolution that has occurred within the association over the last few years. The new logo is a cleaner and more contemporary image, which better reflects the trade associations focus and direction of travel.” - Clive Brady, BWA Chairman
Alcohol Duty Reform
On the 1st August 2023, the biggest Alcohol Duty reforms in 140 years came into effect introducing a much simpler taxation system, taxing all alcoholic drinks based on their alcohol by volume (ABV). The new system reflects the government’s commitment to tax simplification, helping to foster the right conditions for businesses to prosper and the economy to grow, one of the Prime Minister’s five priorities and comes off the back of years of lobbying from the BWA and its members.
More information on the new Alcohol Duty rates and reliefs can be found on GOV.UK.
Institute of Export & International Trade
The BWA have teamed up with the Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) to offer a first of its kind Level 3 Certificate in Excise Practices and Procedures providing an essential introduction for anyone working in or wishing to work in the alcohol excise arena.
With the first cohort started in December 2022 and soon to become the first graduates, over 100 students have now been enrolled on the course with five coming from the team at JJX. Plans are also underway to introduce a Level 2 introductory version of the course and a Level 3 Advanced offering with HMRC having reviewed and validated the full qualification content.
Excise Approval
Excise Bonded Storage
Having gained Customs bonded approval on our Kingswinford-based warehouse facility in December 2023, we were delighted to have gone a step further less than a year later and gained Excise approval as well, further strengthening our growing European supply chain fulfilment services.
With the arrival of a new Customs Manager in the summer proving the catalyst behind JJX the approval process, there is no doubt that this latest certification would not have been possible without the support of the Bonded Warehousekeepers Association's committee with special thanks to Chairman Clive Brady and Secretary Graham Sheen.
Having our Excise approval granted nearly four months ahead of schedule shows just how much hard work has gone on behind the scenes from our customs department and despite their ability, I have no doubt that this wouldn't have been possible without Clive and the guidance of the Bonded Warehousekeepers Association and what a lovely, friendly and knowledgeable group of people they have on the committee as well.
Being able to provide excise storage solutions is a very exciting prospect now especially given our growth in European operations but we now just how complex certain procedures can be. I have 100% faith in my team and the support of our friends at the BWA for this to be a great success moving forward.
John Donovan, Managing Director of JJX Logistics
Huge congratulations to John and the team at JJX Logistics in obtaining their new HMRC Excise warehouse premises authorisation in Kingswinford. It has been a pleasure to support the company through the HMRC process of securing both their UK warehouse keeper and excise storage and distribution warehouse authorisations. As new members we look forward to supporting John and his team with their growth plans and have every confidence, having spent time with the team, that JJX Logistics have the right leadership, people, systems, processes and knowledge in place to compliantly grow their excise warehouse business
Clive Brady, Chairman of the BWA
JJX Logistics
The JJX Way
Our core values are built on a foundation of excellence, reliability and customer-centricity and we pride ourselves on offering a top quality service from start to finish on our entire supply chain fulfilment solutions. Much of this guidance on best practices comes from the organisations we work with including the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA), the British Association of Dangerous Goods Professionals (BADGP) and now the Bonded Warehousekeepers Association.
Through our association of the BWA, we are delighted to be able to stay at the forefront of legislation change and breaking news across the excise sector with the further ability to interact with HMRC and have our say on the future of the industry.
Join the Journey
Don't leave your time-critical deliveries to chance. Trust JJX Logistics to fulfil your supply chain needs and deliver your goods with precision, speed and most importantly safety. You can rest assured with our secure supply chain operation with TAPA certified transport, customs and seise bonded approved storage, first rate customer service and a core focus on ESG considerations. Contact us today to discuss your transportation needs, get a quote, or learn more about our services. Let us be your reliable partner in moving your business forward.