EMCS News Archive
February 2008
Excise Movement and Control System (EMCS) overview presentations
To keep you updated about EMCS developments, we have started to deliver a series of overview presentations to various trade associations. At these events, we advise on progress made within the project and explain the basic functionality. Plans are in place to meet with all trade associations over the coming months.
December 2007
Workshop planned for EMCS Online Services
We have identified a number of excise businesses interested in using an online service. A workshop will take place in early January 2008 to give businesses an opportunity to consider the functionality of the new online service. A working group will work closely with the EMCS project team to refine our web interface requirements.
November 2007
Software development of EMCS
In consultation with our Software Developers Support Team (SDST) we contacted known software developers and excise businesses to advise that in addition to an online service (web interface), we will also provide an electronic data interchange using Extensible Markup Language (XML). We have received a positive response from our mailshot, which shows that there is an interest in developing an EMCS software package. In early January 2008 we will hold a vendors forum with potential software developers. This will give developers an opportunity to talk to our technical team directly and will be the first of regular meetings as the technical development of EMCS progresses.
October 2007
EMCS project developments
During 2007, the projects focus has been to develop EMCS on the basis of commonly agreed specifications. The major achievement in the EMCS projects progress is the adoption of all the EMCS system specifications by the Member States. These specifications cover the functional, technical, security and deployment issues of EMCS and the design requirements to be followed by Member States.
From a UK perspective, we have been working with our departmental IT suppliers, and a range of stakeholders across HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to explore and define the business and technical requirements for EMCS. This consultation has ensured that all EU requirements as specified in the Functional Excise System Specification (FESS) are included in the UK development.
We have continued to work closely with the EU and other Member States and have attended the Excise Computerisation Working Party (ECWP) and the Excise Contact Group (ECG) meetings. These events ensure that we fully engage with the Commission, other Member States and representatives of European trade associations on the developing EMCS project.
The main focus of the project over the coming months will be the technical development of the UK EMCS application. We will be working closely with our departmental IT suppliers to design and build our National Application.
