International News
Clarity on New Border Checks is Vital
The BCC is urging Government to clarify plans around new customs processes, due to start on Wednesday, as firms remain in the dark about crucial aspects of their operation.
Read moreCommon Sense Approach to Product Marking Welcomed
The Department for Business and Trade has confirmed it will extend the indefinite use of the EU's CE mark to a further three product categories.
Read moreWithdrawal of CDS Waiver Code 999L
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will be withdrawing the CDS Waiver Code 999L from the CDS service at the end of January 2024 for all import declarations
Read moreUK Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy
The events of recent years have severely disrupted the global supply chains which we rely on for our critical imports. In a rapidly changing world the UK needs to adapt to these challenges and seize opportunities to ensure the reliable flow of vital goods that underpin our prosperity.
Read moreFirst International Trade Newsletter of 2024 is out!
Keep up-to-date on recent import and export developments and find out about local business support opportunities in the January 2024 edition of the International Trade Newsletter.
Read moreRussia Sanctions Update
Revised trade sanctions against Russia have been announced.
Read moreMade in the UK, Sold to the World Awards- entries close on January 14th!
THE Department for Business and Trade has opened its Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards 2024 for entries, to
recognise the global trading success of small businesses from across the UK. There are ten industry categories to choose
from and entries close on the 14th January 2024.
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.
Read moreLatest International Trade Newsletter is out!
Keep up-to-date on recent import and export developments and find out about local business support opportunities.
Read moreImportant 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.
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