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

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