Changes to trading with Egypt and Import Declarations
There are changes coming up regarding Import Declarations and trading with Egypt. We're offering a half-day webinar with the Egyptian-British Chamber of Commerce that will explain the changes and how to submit your documents. Details of this can be found below along with an article on new customs arrangements.

There is also information on plastic packaging tax and a number of events, webinars and training courses that you can attend to support your international trade activities.

If you have any queries please get in touch with our International Trade team by emailing internationaltrade@cambscci.co.uk or telephone 01223 237414.

Karen Cash
International Trade Team Leader
k.cash@cambscci.co.uk
Karen.jpg
Trading with Egypt Workshop - Cargo X and ACID

In partnership with the Egyptian-British Chamber of Commerce, we are offering this workshop for all Exporters and Importers who trade with Egypt.

Gain a step by step guide on how to send your documents to the importer in terms of displaying the functionality of the system as well as its purpose:

  • Changes and why they were implemented?
  • CargoX platform - what is it and how does it work?
  • What is the ACI? Why is it needed?
  • What does the system do for the Importer and what should the Exporter receive
  • CargoX - This will be an end-to-end overview from registering to sending an envelope via the blockchain
  • FAQ from CargoX and also Nafeza. 
Click here for further details.


Time running out for firms to grasp nettle on new customs arrangements

One of the UK’s leading customs agents has warned that hundreds of businesses could be banned from importing unless they urgently switch to a new Government computer system.

ChamberCustoms, which is a network of Chamber of Commerce customs agents, has been working with thousands of firms to get them ready for the change.

In 2020, the Chamber Network as a whole facilitated an estimated £25bn in overseas UK trade, but warned too many businesses are now in danger of losing out.

HMRC’s Customs Handling Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system will be replaced by the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) on 1 October for companies importing goods from abroad.

It has now announced that firms can apply for an extension to continue using CHIEF for up to a month, but ChamberCustoms fears this will not be enough.

Liam Smyth, Managing Director of ChamberCustoms, said: “The switch over from CHIEF to CDS, has been on the cards for quite some time. We began using the new system with our customers six months ago but we are regularly hearing from traders who remain frustrated by difficulties in completing their registration.

“Many intermediaries and businesses are still not ready and we are seeing an increased demand for switchover courses with just days to go. A month extension will not be enough, intermediaries that have only recently had access to the CDS training system need more time to embed training, CDS is very different to CHIEF.

“If firms are shut out of CHIEF before they are ready then they will effectively be cut adrift and find themselves unable to import. With all the other cost pressures and supply chain disruption businesses have been facing it is perhaps unsurprising that some have yet to act, but it is now getting to crunch time.

“Firms need to take action immediately and HMRC needs to look closely at the support and lead in times it is prepared to offer. Otherwise we could be looking at a cliff-edge that could adversely impact companies at a time when they can least afford it.”

For any queries please contact our International Trade team on 01223 237414.


Plastic Packaging Tax

If you manufacture or import plastic packaging into the UK you may need to register for Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT), submit a PPT return and pay any tax due.

If you’re liable to register or have already registered for PPT, from 1 October 2022 you must submit your PPT return and pay any tax due by 31 October 2022.

The return needs to cover the accounting period from 1 July 2022 to 30 September 2022. If you became liable for PPT after 30 June 2022, your return will only need to include information from the date you became liable for PPT to 30 September 2022.

If you need extra support, check the range of resources HMRC has developed to assist businesses with PPT. 
Visit the collection page for the latest guidance including:
  • Help for manufacturers and importers to decide if they need to register for PPT
  • Details on what to include when completing a PPT return
  • Examples of packaging in and out of scope of PPT.

EVENTS AND WEBINARS

Australian Infrastructure Pipeline Showcase
Friday 30 September, 10.00am-1.00pm
Australia House, London

The Australian-British Chamber of Commerce has organised an event which will be useful to companies in the UK who are interested in Australia and the infrastructure job opportunities.

Attendees will hear from the Australian Federal Government as well as representatives from each State Government. They will each present and share details of the Infrastructure Pipeline in their State. They will talk about the current projects underway as well as the others in planning, that give those in the UK opportunities to work in Australia.

Click here for more information.


‘Growing Globally - Good and Services’ Networking Lunch
Wednesday 19 October, 11.45am-2.00pm
Peterborough United Football Club, London Road, Peterborough, PE2 8AL

We’ll be working with World First, Smart Manufacturing Alliance, PEM Accountants and Department for International Trade on this event.

The four entities will cover a panel discussion surrounding the latest news in the international world and how your business can grow globally.

There will also be a networking lunch which will give you time to connect with like-minded professionals, all whilst overlooking the pitch at Peterborough United.

We will also be holding a business card draw which will give you the chance to win two hospitality tickets to watch Peterborough United.

Cost: £20.00 (plus VAT) per person

Click here
to register.


BritCham Hong Kong Virtual Summit - October 2022
12-13 October, virtual event

As the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) marks its 25th Anniversary, explore the opportunities ahead as a catalyst for international business growth in the region. Organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, the virtual summit will bring together senior leaders from all sectors across the international business community in Hong Kong.

Hear expert opinions and gain valuable insights from a diverse range of Government officials, industry leaders and practitioners on the next 25 years for Hong Kong, and beyond.

See more information and register here. 


Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) UK

Taking place from Monday 14 - Sunday 20 November, GEW celebrates entrepreneurship through events, activities and competitions taking place across the nations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as countries around the world. BCC's Shevaun Haviland will be a keynote speaker at the official launch, full day conference on Monday 14 November.

See more information and register here to attend virtually or in person.


ICC’s International Trade and Prosperity Week (ITPW)
Virtual Conference, 17-20 October 2022

Building Resilience in Global Value Chains

ICC’s International Trade and Prosperity Week (ITPW) is a free, flagship event of the year, drawing an online audience of more than 1000 attendees and over 3000 viewers across 250 businesses and 100 countries.

This year’s conference, Building resilience in global value chains will be held virtually from 17-20 October 2022. Once more we’ll be exploring the latest global economic trends by sharing views from international boardrooms, an expert roundtable on the roadmap for digital trade in 2023, as well as dedicated sessions on the new global biodiversity framework being agreed this year. Finally, we’ll be reviewing best practice from around the world on responsible business conduct, and how best to champion a global culture of integrity.

DAY 1 - Global trends, priorities and analysis
DAY 2 - Preserving nature for future generations
DAY 3 - Connecting the digital trade ecosystem
DAY 4 - Championing a culture of integrity.

Find out more and register here. 


TRAINING COURSES 

Customs Procedures and Documentation
Thursday 6 October, 9.30am-1.00pm

The course looks at the procedures required to deal with customs and the information that is required to be submitted to customs to enable goods to be imported and exported.

Understanding Logistics
Thursday 13 October, 9.30am-1.00pm

Logistics refers to the overall process of managing how resources are acquired, stored, and transported to their final destination. This half-day course will cover a number of key points around logistics.


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.


Trade updates

A deal between the UK, Norway and Iceland has been reached to allow UK telecommunications providers to cap charges on calls, texts and data usage for UK nationals visiting those countries. Once legislation has passed, this would allow surcharge-free usage for UK consumers visiting Norway and Iceland.

UK Ministers have published the Bill to remove the effects of retained EU legislation on the UK statute book by 31 December 2023 (or in some complex cases potentially until 2026). Most retained EU legislation will expire on that date, unless it is repurposed to UK government preferences, or otherwise amended.

In our Chamber Network policy groups, we are working through the implications of this, from trade to work and employment, in order to reach recommendations. Click here to access the statement made by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Jacob Rees-Mogg MP.


Contact the Chamber

01223 237414 •  chamber@cambscci.co.uk
Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce
Clifford House, 2 Station Yard, Oakington, Cambridge, CB24 3AH
www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk