Scale of Red Sea disruption revealed

New research by the BCC’s Insights Unit has uncovered the scale of the impact on UK businesses caused by the disruption to shipping in the Red Sea.

• More than half (55%) of UK exporters say they have been impacted by disruption to shipping in the Red Sea
• Over half (53%) of manufacturers and business-to-consumer service firms (such as retailers) also say they have been affected
• The main impacts cited by businesses are increased costs and delays.

Read the full article here.

Common errors found by Sample Health Certificate Checks 

Several common errors have been identified through the documentary checks undertaken since 31 January. We have summarised these and set out the official guidance related to these common errors to improve understanding and minimise errors being made in the future. You can read the summary here. 

IUU Documentation Reminder

Actions traders need to be taking now:

From 31 January 2024 traders must:

• Continue to provide an Export Health Certificate (EHC) for live animal and germinal product imports. Obtain an Export Health Certificate (EHC) for medium risk animal products, and some high-risk food and feed not of animal origin (HRFNAO)
• Obtain a Phytosanitary Certificate (PCs) for medium risk plants and plant products
• Continue to provide a Phytosanitary Certificate (PCs) for high-risk plants and plant products.
  

The person responsible for the load must continue (begin for movements from Ireland) pre-notifying Great Britain via the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed system (IPAFFS) for all live animals, germinal products, animal products, high risk food and feed not of animal origin (HRFNAO) and medium and high-risk plant and plant products.

Documentary checks
Until 30 April 2024 documentary checks for medium-risk animal products and high-risk food of non-animal origin from EU and EFTA countries are being undertaken on a randomly selected sample of consignments arriving at GB ports to check the correct application and usage. Traders will be provided with specific feedback if their consignment is selected for a documentary check. Goods subject to these sample documentary checks will not be held for inspection and no charges will be levied at this stage.

Guidance on legal responsibilities and how to be compliant, can be found here. 

Last week, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) took part in the second roundtable on Red Sea trade disruption, chaired by Business Minister, Nus Ghani MP.

The BCC also participated in the UK-EU Domestic Advisory Group meeting with other business, labour, and third sector stakeholders to discuss priorities for the year on UK-EU trade and economic relationship issues.

The UK government published its new Sanctions Strategy paper last week. A new package of Russian sanctions was released last week by the Foreign Secretary, targeting diamonds and oil trade.

Last week, UK ministers published an analysis of the call for evidence on UK export support for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

You can view the full list of all our training courses for 2024 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.

Tailor your learning by choosing from one, five, or all 21 modules. Completing all 21 modules grants a prestigious diploma, with each module earning a credit. Accumulate 26 credits for a Level 4 International Trade Qualification.

Click here to find out the modules covered and the costs involved.

These modules are taught by experienced trainer Richard Bartlett, an Accomplished Director with 23 years of experience in logistics, supply chain, and international trade.

Find out more by emailing internationaltrade@cambscci.co.uk.

Abu Dhabi - The Trade and Industrial Hub of the Future
Tuesday 5 March, Carlton Tower Jumeirah, 1 Cadogan Place, London

The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates to the United Kingdom and Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi - KEZAD Group are delighted to invite you to attend an exclusive Business Seminar and Networking Breakfast.

This event is organised in partnership with the Arab British Chamber of Commerce.

CDS Exports
Thursday 7 March, 11.00am

In September 2022, HMRC completed stage 1 of transitioning to the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), bidding farewell to the CHIEF (Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight) system for Import declarations. Now, stage 2 is on the horizon, marking the withdrawal of the Export CHIEF service. This webinar will help businesses navigate these changes effectively and ensure a smooth transition.

Register here.

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