When the Italian retailer CONAD commissioned tens of thousands of handcrafted bags and accessories from Kenya, the ripple effects were transformative. Across seven counties, women artisans found new income, new confidence, and new possibilities. In Corner Baridi, Kajiado County, Maasai beader and community leader Jane Naisimo  hosts women from her artisan group as they gather to bead, talk, and fulfil international orders. With support from Tujikuze —a social enterprise backe

Company Name    Description   Website    Jiwa Farm Export Ltd  Fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs   https://jiwafarm.co.ke/    Echo Four Fresh Exporters Ltd  Fresh fruits, vegetables (includes French beans, sugar snap peas)  https://echo4fresh.co.ke/    Stella Rasmussen GmbH  Fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs (mushrooms, onions, garlic, herbs, peas, sweetcorn)   https://stellarasmussen.com/    Leafde Ltd  Fresh produce     Angaza Foods Ltd  Fresh fruits (avocados, mangoes) and

A Regime in Name Only Regime 42, once regarded as a standard of European customs simplification, remains enshrined in legislation. Yet in practical terms, the framework that supported it is being steadily dismantled. The scheme was originally intended to allow importers to move goods into one member state of the European Union without paying import VAT provided that the goods were immediately dispatched to another member state for final taxation. For UK exporters using France

For businesses trading across Europe and the Mediterranean, the EUR-MED movement certificate is an indispensable tool for maximizing profitability and competitiveness. It’s the key that unlocks preferential duty rates - often reduced or zero tariffs - on goods exchanged between the European Union (EU) and its Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) partners. What is the EUR-MED? The EUR-MED certificate is a preferential proof of origin. It certifies that your exported products meet the

Preferential rules of origin apply to goods claiming reduced or zero duty rates under the UK’s Free Trade agreements and are evidenced using UK EUR1 Certificates, or other forms of declarations stated in the agreement. These rules of specific to each commodity code and are governed by the terms of each trade agreement. To qualify as UK preferential origin, goods must meet product specific rules such as change in tariff classification (e.g. where imported raw materials are sig

This notice provides guidance for applications who wish to apply for a UK EUR1 Certificate on behalf of another company. 1. Authorisation Requirements If you intended to apply for a UK EUR1 on behalf of another company, you must first obtain a Letter of Authority from that company. ·       The Letter of Authority must clearly state you have permission to make the application on their behalf. It must be completed on headed paper and signed by the company. The only time you do

This notice provides guidance for applications who wish to apply for a UK Certificate of Origin on behalf of another company. 1 . Authorisation Requirements If you intended to apply for a UK Certificate of Origin on behalf of another company, you must first obtain a Letter of Authority from that company. ·       The Letter of Authority must clearly state you have permission to make the application on their behalf. It must be completed on headed paper and signed by the company

The EU applies safeguard quotas on steel products. As the UK is no longer part of the EU, there are country-specific quotas for a number of steel product categories under these safeguards. Outside the quota, steel imports into the EU face a 25% duty. The EU has proposed a new system for 2026 where these quotas will be reduced by 18 million tonnes, and the out-of-quota tariff would be doubled to 50%. As the UK currently exports a large portion of its steel to the EU, these cha

A recent tribunal decision involving Morrisons has become an important reminder for UK importers about the consequences of incorrect origin declarations. HMRC successfully challenged the declared origin of aluminium foil brought into the country, determining that the goods should have been treated as originating in China rather than Thailand. The operations carried out in Thailand were judged to be too limited to change the product’s origin. As a result, significant amounts o

The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to consider the legality of former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff regime, yet senior officials expect the levies to remain in place even as the court weighs its decision. The dispute centres on the authority under which the tariffs were imposed particularly the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which the administration invoked to justify duties against a wide range of imports. Lower-court rulings have already found

As the European Union’s landmark Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) moves closer to implementation next year, divisions are emerging across Europe’s industrial and political landscape. The European Commission plans to unveil a major review of the policy later this year, with significant implications for industry and trade. Originally designed to protect European manufacturers from being undercut by imports from regions with weaker climate regulations, CBAM imposes a le

Opportunity shared by: Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI)   Purpose of the program:   Building on the successful Osaka EXPO, the aim of the “Go Global Osaka” program is to explore partnerships between our member company and Osaka’s most promising SMEs. Aimed at GM businesses interested in distributing Japanese products or leveraging Japanese technology.   About the Program:   Delivered by The Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in partnership with the Osaka Bus

Here at The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce we know how important it is to keep your trade documentation moving without delays, here is a quick reminder for all our customers submitting COO’S and EUR1’S through our ECert system:    Once the application has been submitted, we’re unable to make any amendments to it, we can add supporting documents to pending applications but if an amendment is needed via the application itself or If you spot an error after submitting the

As Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce celebrates “International Week,” it’s the perfect time to spotlight the companies helping UK businesses succeed on the global stage. At Synergy in Trade Ltd, we specialise in supporting UK firms that trade internationally—particularly those venturing into emerging markets where payment security and documentation compliance are critical. We understand the challenges of cross-border trade. That’s why our services are designed to be prac

Expanding into the US is a major milestone for growing e-commerce businesses. But without the right setup, navigating US compliance, import regulations, and logistics can feel overwhelming. Here’s a simple, four-step guide to support those crucial first steps to help your brand successfully enter the US market. 1. Register for a US EIN (Employer Identification Number) An EIN is essential for doing business in the United States. It acts as your federal tax ID and is required t

In a significant step towards easing long-standing trade tensions, the United States and China have confirmed the details of a new trade framework agreement following discussions in London. The deal marks a turning point in negotiations that have spanned years, affecting the global flow of vital goods such as rare earth minerals and advanced manufacturing components. China’s Ministry of Commerce has announced that both countries agreed to proceed with a system in which China

Over the past decade, e-commerce has evolved from a convenience into a cornerstone of the global economy. What began as an alternative to traditional retail has now become its driving force transforming how consumers discover, purchase, and engage with brands. In 2024, global e-commerce sales surpassed $6 trillion, and the growth shows no sign of slowing. From independent start-ups to multinational giants, businesses are racing to innovate and meet customers where they are on

With numerous years experience between all of us, we are always on hand to give you the best support, whether it's through knowledge or through partnerships we will always aim to find you a solution. For Export Documentation you are able to contact: Monday through Friday: 10:00 - 16:00 on 0161 489 3170, however bear in mind we are closed between 13:00 - 14:00 and closed Saturday and Sunday, you can also get in touch by emailing: ExportDocs@gmchamber.co.uk For your general Int