Conformity Assessments

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) are exploring the conformity assessment challenges that UK businesses face when exporting their products to Thailand and to the US. Conformity assessment procedures include, but are not limited to, mandatory product testing, inspection, audit, certification, and marking.

They want to find out what the challenges related to conformity assessment are, when they arise and how much they cost businesses. This will help to build their internal evidence base on the conformity assessment landscape for UK exporters. As such, they are conducting one-hour long interviews in-house through April on MS Teams.

Through this research, they aim to better understand businesses’ experiences of conformity assessment procedures to identify opportunities for process enhancement. Information they receive will feed into their policy development in this space. The research is not linked in any way with regulatory compliance, and the information gathered from businesses will be used only for research and insight purposes. They are interested in businesses who comply with the following regulatory areas:

• US exports in machinery, measuring instruments, noise emissions, safety of electrical equipment, and PPE sectors
• Thailand exports in automotive, safety of electrical equipment, machinery, radio and telecoms, electromagnetic compatibility sectors.

If you would like to take part in an interview, please provide kia.banks@businessandtrade.gov.uk with the following details:

• Contact name
• Contact email
• Which country you export to (Thailand and/or United States)
• Product Sector/Regulations
• Exported Product.

The UK government published the scheme of Common User Charges for affected foodstuffs and plant goods entering GB from Tuesday 30 April. For low risk items, a £10.00 per commodity line (capped at 5) charge will apply. For medium risk items, a £29.00 per commodity line (capped at 5) charge will apply. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) issued a response on the negative effect of these charges on small businesses importing goods from the EU.

Since Monday 1 April, in Canada-UK trade, cumulation provisions within the continuity trade agreement rules of origin involving EU content, have expired. Traders should seek advice on implications for duties due on their goods being exported to Canada as a result of this change.

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
  
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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.