Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that two of our core international trade training courses: Export Documentation  and UK Certificates of Origin & EUR1 Movement Certificates: Step-by-Step Workshop have now been officially CPD accredited. This achievement reinforces GMCC’s commitment to providing high-quality, practical training that supports businesses in trading compliantly and confidently in UK and global markets. Delegates attending either co

PEM Convention introduces new cumulation The Pan-Euro Mediterranean Convention is an agreement among 25 parties in the European region, Middle East and Africa. Its aim is to increase trade by establishing common rules of origin. As of 1 st January, there are some revised rules to help assist companies. Although the UK is not currently part of PEM this could be useful for manufacturers who have factories in the EU/PEM countries. Further details on the list of countries and ru

From January 2026, the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)  will move from its transitional reporting phase into its definitive regime. This marks a significant change for UK businesses trading with the EU, particularly those dealing in carbon-intensive goods. While CBAM has been on the horizon for some time, the shift to full implementation means financial liabilities, stricter controls, and higher compliance expectations. UK exporters and EU importers

The United Kingdom has submitted a formal notification to the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), confirming that we will be ready to implement Digital ATA Carnets from 1 April 2026 . The European Union and Norway  have also submitted their notifications, with Switzerland expected to confirm shortly . This marks a major milestone and clears the path for the first group of Digital ATA Carnet countries to go live in Q2 2026 . The ex

When submitting documentation, it is important that the applicant have the document signed correctly. We have recently seen an increase in applications being rejected because the document was digitally signed. For UK COO and UK EUR1 applications the declaration must be signed by a handwritten signature. This means when you make your application, the signature must be written by hand and uploaded into your application. Typed names or digital signatures do not meet requirements

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