Importers are a very important part of both OATA and the Industry as a whole. Importers pay a levy of 1% on the value of their imports; OATA maintains strict confidentiality over these payments. Importers are expected to abide by the OATA Code of Conduct.

It is intended that:

• a voluntary levy of 1% (+VAT) of the value of fish, invertebrates and aquatic plants is paid to OATA Ltd by participating importers;
• the levy be paid by the importer.

The monies would be collected by two methods only:

• freight agents will hold pads of triplicate numbered OATA invoices
• an invoice for 1% (+VAT) of the value of each import will be raised by the agent *
• copies of the invoice will be:
1. retained by the agent;
2. sent to the importer;
3. sent to the OATA office;
• levy payments to be remitted direct to the office no later than the 15th of the following month. Payments will be chased.

(through OATA approved clearance agent)

• OATA approved clearance agents invoice and collect levy from the appropriate importers;
• levy payments will then be remitted to the office no later than the 15th of the following month.

Under the Indirect Scheme, Approved Clearance Agents must make available the following records for confidential inspection to a paid officer of OATA (though NOT to either Directors or Members);

• invoices and other records establishing that all levy collected has been remitted for a given period.