The United Kingdom has secured a major upgrade to its trade relationship with South Korea, signing a free trade agreement that guarantees tariff-free access for 98% of goods. This deal, finalized just weeks before the previous arrangement was set to expire, marks a significant milestone in Britain’s post-Brexit trade strategy and strengthens ties with one of Asia’s most dynamic economies. Under the new agreement, British exporters will continue to enjoy duty-free access on ke

Please note that the Manchester Airport Trade Counter has been relocated, effective 8 December 2025. The details are as follows:  New location: Ground floor in Terminal 2 Arrivals (opposite the escalators, next to KFC)  Opening times: Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 15:00  To minimise trips and attendance times, anyone visiting the counter should call 03000 719 151 ahead of their trip so that arrangements can be made for them to be met on arrival Contact details:  • Monday – Frid

Did you know that our formal undertaking templates have been updated. Starting from October 2025 we have a new version. · If you have saved a copy on your desktop, please ensure it is the latest version · There is no need to resend a Formal Undertaking if we have one on file that is still in date · Going forward we only accept the updated version Our platforms have been updated to reflect this change to ensure a consistent and smooth process for everyone. Get in Touch If you

From 31 December 2025, all businesses moving goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland must comply with the Import Control System 2 (ICS2). ICS2 is the UK’s updated safety and security declaration system for goods entering Northern Ireland and the EU. It replaces the previous Import Control System Northern Ireland (ICS NI) and helps ensure that shipments meet all safety, security, and customs requirements. What ICS2 Covers ICS2 supports businesses in submitting: Pre-arriva

Last week the EU announced its decision to charge a flat customs duty of €3 on each commodity code, for consignments worth less than €150, starting on 1 st  July 2026. For example, if a package contains a toy, the duty will be added, but if the package also contains a charging cable another €3 will also be added. This means that low value e-commerce goods will now face customs fees, adding extra costs for UK businesses, making UK goods less attractive to the EU. A full custom

The interest rate cycle is finally winding down. As mortgage eligibility increases and affordability improves, more buyers are able to step on the ladder. Yet there’s still a growing shortage of homes, especially in urban centres. This makes UK buy-to-let property a compelling investment option, where you can benefit from: • Long-term capital appreciation – a positive carry from the rental income after accounting for borrowing costs • Superior-quality stock at attractive pric

Reacting to news of a pharmaceuticals deal with the US, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:   “The original trade deal, agreed with the US in May, promised preferential outcomes on pharmaceuticals tariffs for the UK. We are pleased to see this has now been delivered, with the confirmation that these exports to the US will be tariff free.   “Pharmaceuticals make up a fifth of all UK exports to the US by value, and the UK now has a deal which few others have ac

The government has confirmed that consignments valued under £135 will no longer qualify for customs-duty exemption, with the change scheduled to take effect by 2029. The move means that many goods previously entering the UK tariff-free primarily small parcels will now be subject to customs duties. The change is part of a broader plan to align the UK’s practices with those of the United States and the European Union. The government estimates that the revision will bring some £

When applying for export documentation through us here at The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce on our ECert platform, businesses often wonder whether to choose express or standard processing, Selecting the right option can save time, reduce costs and ensure documents meet your customers’ requirements. Express Applications Express processing is designed for speed and convenience, once we approve your application your certificate is stamped electronically and ready for yo

Friday 19 th  December All declarations must  be sent to ChamberCustoms@gmchamber.co.uk before 12pm  to guarantee they are completed. Failing to do this, they will not be completed until Monday 22 nd  December All documentation requests must  be sent to ExportDocs@gmchamber.co.uk   before 12pm  to guarantee they are completed. Failing to do this, they will not be completed until Monday 22 nd  December Monday 22 nd  December Normal business hours 9am – 5pm Export Document

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