What are the key trade priorities at the top of the new Prime Minister’s in-tray from 6 September?
The arrival of the summer recess marks a respite period for many (other than Conservative Party leadership candidates and members) from an intense period of policy-making affecting trade.
As a new Prime Minister takes office on 6 September, the in-tray on international trade issues will be daunting.
William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, shares his top five priorities in the latest ChamberCustoms blog which you can read here.
The UK Trade Show Programme
Get support from Department for International Trade (DIT) to attend or exhibit at selected trade shows this year. Applications are now open for events running up until February 2023.
Trade shows are a great way for businesses to grow sales and develop networks. DIT is supporting businesses to attend or exhibit at selected trade shows. Help offered includes specialised training and possible grants to cover costs.
More information is available here.
TRAINING COURSES
Import / Export Diagnostics Workshop
Wednesday 7 September, 9.30am-1.00pm
LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE
Changing trade requirements means changing the way your business records information to ensure you remain fully compliant. HMRC Customs Officers are now actively auditing businesses on a regular basis, and the number of audits will only go up. This means that your business is more and more likely to be affected, and you need to take action now to ensure you are able to pass an HMRC Customs Audit.
Our Import/Export Diagnostics workshop is designed to give you an insight to all areas your business will need to focus on, and provides key information on how to get started.
Understanding Exporting
Thursday 8 September, 9.30am-1.00pm
This course covers all the basic key areas around exporting. It will explain the requirements for documentation, plus an overview of country of origin and incoterms.
Understanding Importing
Tuesday 20 September, 9.30am-1.00pm
This course covers all the basic key areas around importing and will explain the requirements for documentation, plus an overview of country of origin and incoterms.
Understanding Commodity Codes
Tuesday 27 September, 9.30am-1.00pm
By attending this course we will ensure you are aware of what a commodity code is and what it is used for, understand the process of how to classify goods, successfully classify a range of goods and understand the importance of getting your commodity codes correct.
You can view the full list of all our 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.
Ukraine update
The Chancellor of the Exchequer is understood to have approved £3bn in UK Export Finance for companies exporting to Ukraine. Of this, £700m is believed to have been dedicated for companies which are providing goods and services around reconstruction of Ukraine.
Trade updates
The outlook for global trade remains weak for 2022, according to a new study published this week by the UN Conference on Trade and Development. The report finds that although trade values are continuing to rise (partly down to inflation-led price rises), trade volumes are almost stagnant.
An update on live and forthcoming UK trade negotiations:
- CPTPP (11-strong nation block in Asia-Pacific) accession - set to be completed by the end of 2022
- India - high-level deadline set for 24 October 2022 for completion of negotiations
- Canada (upgrading the continuity agreement) - have commenced, due to be completed by end of 2022
- Mexico (upgrading the continuity agreement) - have commenced - no deadline for completion
- Gulf Co-operation Council (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Oman) - first round taking place this month
- Israel (upgrading the continuity agreement) - negotiations launched, likely to get underway in coming weeks
- Switzerland (upgrading the continuity agreement) - likely to get underway in the autumn
- Future negotiations: South Korea (upgrading the continuity agreement). Australia and New Zealand agreements on track for ratification before end of 2022 and entry into force early next year.
REMINDER: Update for Türkiye (formerly Turkey)
We have been made aware that recently a number of UK Certificates of Origins have been rejected by Türkiye customs officials as Türkiye officially registered its preferred name with the United Nations.
The electronic providers have been instructed to update the country name in their origin boxes to reflect this change. You will need to ensure consignee addresses are updated by yourselves before submission. Please ensure you amend the spelling on any manual applications that you submit.
Update on Employing Ukrainian and Afghan nationals who have resettled in the UK
Minister for Refugees, Lord Harrington, has written a letter regarding the requirements for Ukrainian and Afghan nationals looking to undertake work, who have arrived in the UK under one of the UK government’s resettlement and relocation schemes.
Guidance for employers can be found here.
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