Documentation updates

The British Chambers of Commerce audit accredited Chambers on an annual basis to ensure all documents are processed in accordance with the International Chamber Procedures.

Within the audit a few scenarios were picked up on and we were advised that we need to make amendments to the way we view some documentation. Please note that the following changes will become effective immediately and must be adhered to when applying for any documentation:

1. Partial shipments on Certificates of Origin. These should not be occurring as a shipment should be declared in full on a Certificate of Origin, and only when the Exporter can reasonably explain why only some of the goods are covered would an application be allowed on this basis. Guidance has been issued out to all companies previously, and a copy of this is attached.
   
   
2. If you are providing a packing list for an application where multiple orders are being loaded on to the same shipment and the customer specifically requires a Certificate of Origin for each order, a packing list for each order should be provided separately (unless weight and packaging information is declared on the invoice, and then a packing list is not necessary.)
   
   
3. Generic descriptions of goods: Where your product is not a known item that any customs agent would know ie; Screws, Glass Bottles, Seeds, Toothpaste etc, a generic description is needed for the purpose of the goods. An example for this is a SHIM. This is not something many people would know what it is, and therefore an additional descriptive such as `Metal spacer for use in………` would be needed. Descriptions of goods must also not be a Tradename such as Kit-Kat…..This would need to include a generic header of `Confectionary`.
   
   
4. Back up documentation provided for your application, such as packing lists must be either on company letterhead or as a minimum reference the COO/EUR1 number or invoice/order number that it relates to.
   
   
5. Package descriptions must match across all documentation. If your products are packed in boxes, the COO/EUR1, Invoice and Packing list must state boxes, not cartons or cases.

Any questions on the above, or any applications that you make please do not hesitate to contact us on the number shown below, or by emailing internationaltrade@cambscci.co.uk.

CHIEF to CDS - Practical Training for the change in customs declaration systems
Thursday 21 September, 9.30am-1.00pm

Is your company prepared for the upcoming deadlines?

After five years of preparation, the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) will be the long-term replacement for the current CHIEF (Customs Handling Imports and Export Freight) platform - replacing a system based on paperwork with a digital platform.

CHIEF closed its e-doors for import declarations on 30 September 2022. The final closure for export declarations will be on 30 March 2024.

Who is this course suitable for?

This course is suitable for agents with practical experience in submitting customs declarations in CHIEF, who will need to complete import and export declarations with EU or third countries.

Register here.

Document Checking Workshop
Thursday 9 November, 10.00am-4.00pm

As part of International Trade Week, we are holding a document checking workshop at our Chamber Offices in Oakington, where you can visit us to obtain face to face training and guidance on completing and creating a number of key international trade documents.

We will be holding a specific session on how to create and apply for a Certificate of Origin (UK and Arab) and a EUR1 Movement Certificate. This session will take place from 10.00-11.00am.

In the afternoon we will be doing a specific session on what a manufacturer/supplier declaration should look like, and how to ensure you obtain a valid document that is sufficient for us to be able to verify origin when presented alongside a Certificate of Origin application. This session will be from 2.15-3.00pm.

You will have the opportunity to speak with Karen Cash, International Trade Team Leader, and Richard Bartlett, Training Officer, Consultant and Chair of the Chamber International Sector Committee, during the course of the day, and book a specific 30 minute time slot for you to visit to obtain guidance on any of the documents from the list shown below.

Guidance will be given, however, if you need further assistance with any application or document you can book a 1-2-1 consultation session on a later date and receive a 10 per cent discount for booking from this event.

The documents we will be able to advise on are:

• UK COO /  EUR1  ARAB COO
  
• Commercial Invoice
• Commercial Packing List
• Letters of Credit
• C88 / Customs Declarations
• MSS Report
• Manufacturers / Supplier Declarations - Proof of Origin Documents
• Outward Processing Relied form C1154
  
• Approved Exporter Application Form
• IP Application.

To book your place, please email internationaltrade@cambscci.co.uk.

You can view the full list of all our training courses on the Chamber website.

Courses can also be tailored to meet your company’s specific requirements. For more information about a bespoke course for your company, which can be delivered remotely or in person, please contact the Chamber on 01223 237414.

Sustaining an Emerging Vision

As part of ongoing activities to nurture collaboration between the United Kingdom and the Arab World, the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce is pleased to invite you to its flagship event of the year, the 3rd Arab British Economic Summit 2023.

The Summit, under the banner of 'Sustaining an Emerging Vision', will highlight the strategic UK-Arab partnership with an emphasis on the widening scope of cooperation within various sectors and industries. The event will seek to identify practical initiatives that can strengthen transnational trade ties and bilateral investment flows in the post-pandemic, post-Brexit low-carbon economy. Discussion will concentrate on sustainable tourism, e-commerce, franchising, as well as the banking and financial industry.

This high-level event will bring together government officials, senior executives, thought leaders and decision-makers from across the UK and the Arab world to share their ideas and debate the diverse trade and investment opportunities that are emerging in the new technology-based industries.

View the confirmed speakers and agenda on the website.

Next steps for UK financial and professional services in international markets
Thursday 12 October

This morning conference will discuss what is needed to enable UK financial and professional services to trade in international markets.

Policymakers and stakeholders will discuss what is needed to address barriers for professional services exports and reduce uncertainty for firms.

Register here.

Sri Lanka Boat and Marine Show
27-29 October 2023

As South Asia’s most significant International Boat and Marine Show, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board and the Chamber of Marine Industry of Sri Lanka are organising the ‘Boat and Marine Show 2023’ at the Marina, Colombo Port City, Sri Lanka.

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in London wishes to invite you and related organisations to visit Sri Lanka and to experience the opportunities at the show.

More information on this show could be obtained from the website.

SAVE THE DATE

Last week, the BCC took part in a roundtable with senior UK government officials on the progress of trade negotiations with India. This covered areas such as intellectual property, rules of origin, and regulatory barriers to trade.

The UK government and the EU reached a deal last week over associate membership of the Horizon Europe scheme on collaboration on science, research and innovation. This was made this a key ask in the Trade Manifesto 2023 and The Power of British Business campaigns. 

From last Friday, imports of ironing boards originating from Turkey will have countervailing duties of 4.02 per cent applied. This is following a decision made by Ministers on the advice of the Trade Remedies Authority and is due to the levels of subsidies involved in their production and potential injury to UK producers.