Calls for Sark to establish its own customs port

Guernsey is the main point of entry to the Bailiwick

There are calls for Sark to create its own customs port facility in a bid to boost trade and visitor numbers to the islands.

It comes as Guernsey's Home Affairs Committee has brought forward amendments to customs rules bringing them under a legal framework.

Under existing rules, it is an offence to land goods or passengers anywhere other than Guernsey Ports, unless an administrative exemption is given by Guernsey Ports.

Major Christopher Beaumont, Seigneur of Sark, said the legal amendment raised the issue of whether the island should self-fund its own "point of entry to the common travel area".

He said the island could "fit into the Bailiwick system" like Alderney, which already had its own customs port.

"We need some facilities, IT infrastructure and people who can operate and conduct the business, but if that's done I see no reason why we can't," Beaumont said.

"We have an awful lot of people in the French coast who would like to see the island; the food is fantastic, the goods are fantastic and it's only 20 miles away."

'More flexibility'

Guernsey States said some touring boats already had an administrative exemption allowing them to land in Sark or Herm without going to Guernsey Ports for customs checks first.

It said tightening existing provisions would mean the Border Agency could legally prosecute unauthorised travel within the Bailiwick.

Deputy Rob Prow, president of the Committee for Home Affairs, said the new policy "will not change current practices but ensure that concessions will be authorised lawfully, rather than administratively".

"We also anticipate this will likely give more flexibility to private vessel arrivals, subject to certain conditions and restrictions," he said.

Paul Armorgie, marketing director of Sark's Stocks Hotel, said a new customs facility would benefit the island.

He said: "In addition to passengers, to be able to import produce from the continent would be a real benefit.

"At the moment, if we buy a French or Spanish product it's shipped to the UK then Guernsey."