Costly paperwork burden lifted for UK steel product exporters

Thousands of UK businesses are breathing a huge sigh of relief after the European Union decided to lift a huge paperwork burden.

Since last autumn, companies exporting products containing iron and steel to the EU, have been required to provide ‘mill certificates’ to prove the elements did not originate from Russia. This proved either expensive or impossible for many UK businesses resulting in the loss of crucial export markets.

Following months of talks by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), with UK and European officials, the EU has now scrapped the paperwork requirement. Officials in Brussels have now designated the UK as a partner country on steel sanctions against Russia, meaning the certification paperwork is no longer needed.

Commenting on the announcement from the European Union, the BCC’s Head of Trade Policy William Bain said: “Businesses up and down the country will be delighted at this outcome. A lot of hard work has got us to this position, which is strongly welcomed by the whole Chamber Network.

“We had many meetings and communications with both the UK government and the EU to highlight the negative impact the mill certificate requirements were having. In roundtables with senior officials, firms bravely described their experiences of ongoing lost orders and cash flow issues.

“Without those accounts from real businesses about the nature of the problem, and the need for a pragmatic fix, we could not have got this far. We’d like to thank to UK and EU officials for listening to the concerns of businesses and agreeing a solution.

“This is a big win for the collective power of our Chamber network. It’s a welcome boost for thousands of British exporters ahead of the Easter weekend.”

Global Britain Challenge Report launched

The British Chambers of Commerce have launched their Global Britain report to boost exports and channel overseas investment into the UK. 

Among the 28 recommendations are: 

• The creation of a ‘Team UK’ to champion an updated ‘Brand Britain’ and show the world the best of what we can offer
• A change in mindset, so the UK takes a more vigorous approach to fighting for its future success
• Finally stepping out of Brexit’s long shadow, so politicians take bold decisions to make it work better and grab the opportunities it offers
• An injection of more investment into the UK by targeting the big, and growing economies, with the money and understanding to make the most of what we can do
• A greater emphasis on services exports in the UK’s trade deals. 
  

Last week, William Bain from the BCC met with the Trade Agreement Utilisation from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). They discussed how to ensure that SMEs can extract the full benefit from UK trade agreements in terms of preference usage and export intensity.

The BCC was briefed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on the imminent establishment of EU-UK technical barriers to trade working groups, for the automotive and medicinal products sectors, under the Trade and Co-operation Agreement. These will be a useful kickstarter to enhanced regulatory understanding and co-operation between both parties.

The BCC has been appointed to the new Critical Imports Council which is being established on imports policy issues by DBT. The initial meeting is set for mid-April, chaired by a Minister.

New legislation on the Windsor Framework Command Paper will come into effect on Thursday 11 April. This will give effect to the new arrangements minimising checks on GB to NI movements of goods outlined in the recent UK government Command Paper.

New legislation on use of recyclable packaging is progressing through the EU institutions. This would apply to imported products into the EU, such as those arriving from the UK. Complying with EU standards and manufacturing processes for such packaging will become compulsory for affected products. The BCC will be examining the implications for UK exporting businesses.

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.

This full day conference will be an opportunity for business leaders from across the UK, and the globe, to come together to discuss the key challenges to build a better future for business, the economy, and people in our local communities.

The conference will be centred around five key breakout sessions:

• People and Work
  
• Global Britain
  
• Digital Revolution
  
• Green Innovation
  
• Local Economy of the Future.

Throughout the day, delegates will hear from key senior politicians and other notable public figures and engage in thought-provoking discussions with colleagues from across the Chamber Network.

Away from the sessions, the Networking Zone is an opportunity for delegates to meet existing and new contacts; and the exhibition stands will see the best of British business, and the Chamber Network, from across the UK and around the world showcasing their work.