Under the new regulations laid out yesterday (23 July), members of the public will need to wear face coverings – for example, a fabric covering, scarf or bandana – that covers the nose and mouth in additional enclosed public spaces, as well as frequent hand washing and careful social distancing.

It will be compulsory to wear a face covering when buying food and drink to take away from cafes and shops. If you are in a premises where you are able to sit down and consume food or drink that you have bought, then you can remove your face covering in order to eat and drink on-site.

Face coverings will not be mandatory for:
• Anyone under the age of 11
• Those with disabilities or certain health conditions, such as respiratory or cognitive impairments that make it difficult for them to wear a face covering

Anyone who doesn’t abide by the regulations – and is not exempt under one of the categories set out in the regulations – could face a fine by the police of up to £100, as is currently the case on public transport.

Full details of the announcement can be found here.


Prepare to trade internationally after the UK leaves the EU

There are now just five months until the end of the Brexit transition period and companies need to be prepared for the changes for exporting and importing from 1 January 2021.

The Chamber have a number of courses and webinars coming up to offer training and support.

Preparing to Trade with the EU from 1 January 2021
Tuesday 28 July, 4.00-5.00pm

Chris Willers, Managing Director of Access to Export, has used his wealth of hands-on worldwide International Trade experience to put together a comprehensive International Trade checklist.

Chris will look at the main information for exporters and share some of the important points relating to importing. He will also give a brief overview of the key points contained in the newly published Border Operating Model.

Register here.

UK Border Customs Controls from 1/1/21 – What it means for your business
Tuesday 4 August, 10.00-11.00am

Liam Smyth, Director of Trade Facilitation at the British Chambers of Commerce, will provide insight and comment on the new UK Border Operating Model, advise on the actions you need to engage in now, signpost funding for trader readiness and comment on prospects for future trade.

Register here.

We have also re-launched our International Trade Training Courses which will be delivered online. This includes a Post Brexit Workshop which will educate you in how the international customs environment works.

Details of all courses can be found on the training page of our website.

COURSE DATES

Post Brexit Workshop
Monday 10 August, 10.00am-2.30pm

Customs Declaration Training
Wednesday 26 August, 10.00am-3.00pm

Understanding Exporting
Tuesday 8 September, 10.00am-2.30pm

Understanding Importing
Monday 21 September, 10.00am-2.30pm

Incoterms 2020
Thursday 8 October, 10.00am-2.30pm

Customs Procedures and Documentation
Wednesday 21 October, 10.00am-2.30pm

Understanding Rules of Origin
Wednesday 4 November, 10.00am-2.30pm

Letters of Credit
Thursday 19 November, 10.00am-2.30pm

Inward and Outward Processing
Wednesday 2 December, 10.00am-2.30pm

Step by Step Understanding a Customs Declaration
Friday 11 December, 10.00am-2.30pm