International News

Red Tape, Regulation & Costs Holding Back Exports

A SURVEY of almost 650 UK businesses by the British Chambers of Commerce has shown that customs checks, tariffs and regulation are the top three barriers to exporting.
The findings come as the Office For Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) latest forecast said the UK’s trade volumes were expected to stagnate in the medium term, and UK trade intensity still remains below its pre-pandemic level.

Notice NTE 2023/21: End User Advisory Service

THE End User Advisory Service enables exporters to seek advice on whether exports to named overseas entities will require licences because of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) or military end use concerns. This advice is ‘non-statutory’ which means it does not constitute advice on how to follow the law and is no substitute for legal guidance. However, we recognise it is a helpful and important service for exporters to understand how export control rules might apply to them.

Latest International Trade Newsletter is out!

Keep up-to-date on recent import and export developments and find out about local business support opportunities.

Important Export Documentation Update

ATA Carnets and Israel Update
Israeli Customs have introduced a Greater Facility to help ATA Carnet Holders who are unable to re-export their goods from Israel due to the ongoing situation. Foreign Carnets with expiry dates between 8 October and 30 November will be granted an extension to the final date for re-exportation.

Arab British Economic Summit 2023 - 20th November 2023

THE BCC are delighted to partner with the Arab British Chamber of Commerce in their flagship event, the 3rd Arab British Economic Summit 2023 (ABES2023), which will take place at the London Hilton Metropole on 20th November 2023.
The ABCC is kindly offering a 15% discount for members of Chambers of Commerce using the discount code: ABCCBCC23

Women’s International Networking (WIN) Programme 2023/24

THIS programme from the Department for Business and Trade has recently been launched as part of the next phase of the Northern Powerhouse pilot and offers a structured and supportive environment for women to grow their businesses and realise their potential with a transformative agenda. It has been designed to increase the participation of women-led businesses in international trade with virtual training, business mentoring, panel discussions and peer to peer networking opportunities.
Clients need to express their interest to join by 3rd November 2023.

Important Export Documentation Update

Important Changes for EUR1s for Switzerland
The Chamber has been made aware that Switzerland is no longer accepting digital stamps and signatures. Swiss customs had been accepting digital signatures and stamps as a temporary measure during Covid but have now reverted to insisting on wet stamps and signatures.

SME Exporters Treading Water

The UK’s picture on exports has been broadly static since the pandemic, with the number of SMEs reporting decreased sales now regularly 10 percentage points higher than in 2017/18.

COP28 United Arab Emirates- Business Mission December 2023

COP28 is taking place from 30th November to 12th December 2023 in the UAE. This is a key date for the international community to come together and set out how to meet the Climate Challenge as a planet. The Chamber network will be actively taking part in COP28 events and initiatives.

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

NCTS5 - HMRC Announce Delay to Implementation Date

The implementation of the New Computerised Transit System 5 has been moved back to 1st July 2024.

Advance Valuation Ruling Service Available To All

The Advance Valuation Ruling Service is now available to agents who represent traders who cannot use a Business Tax Account.

Russian Steel Sanctions

From 30 September 2023, European sanctions against a large proportion of Russian steel products came into force.

Plastic Packaging Tax Reminder

Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) was introduced on 1 April 2022. If you manufacture or import 10 or more tonnes of plastic packaging within a 12-month period you must register for PPT on GOV.UK, even if your packaging contains 30% or more recycled plastic.

Chilled Minced Meats and Meat Preparations Update

From 31 January 2024, imports of certain chilled minced meats and chilled meat preparations from the EU, other EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland to Great Britain, can continue when health certification requirements come into effect.