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

Documentary Collections: A Lifeline for UK Exporters — Powered by Synergy in Trade In today’s shifting landscape of international trade, UK exporters face mounting challenges when collecting payments from overseas buyers — for example in markets like Pakistan, Algeria, and Egypt, where exchange control regulations often mandate the use of Documentary Collections . Yet, just as this method remains essential, many banks have quietly withdrawn support for it, leaving exporters s

In August 2025, UK goods exports fell to £31.2 billion, down from £32.4 billion in July, according to Trading Economics data. Over the year to August, total UK exports of goods and services reached about £923.6 billion, representing a 5.5% increase compared with the previous year. Within that, however, goods exports declined around 3.5%, while services exports surged nearly 13%. This shift reflects the UK’s growing identity as a services-driven export economy, with goods now

200,000+ active sellers. Fastest growth rate in Walmart Marketplace history. A global seller boom – and our clients are riding the wave. Walmart is evolving into a powerful e-commerce destination, and third-party sellers are leading the charge. Since opening to international sellers in 2021, the platform has become a key launchpad for global brands looking to break into the US market. At Infinity Blue Group, we’ve seen it all firsthand. As 1 of 20 global Walmart Strategic Par

Gulfood, the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade exhibition, is returning on January 26 th – 30 th , 2026 – and it promises to be bigger and better than ever! With thousands of global exhibitors and visitors, Gulfood is where the industry comes together to: Discover the latest food trends and innovations Build international partnerships Showcase products on a world stage Unlock opportunities in one of the fastest-growing markets UAE Market Snapshot: Why This

Importing controlled goods into the UK? Make the process faster, smoother, and fully compliant with an International Import Certificate (IIC) from the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce your trusted trade partner for global success. What is an International Import Certificate (IIC)? An IIC is an essential document for importing ‘controlled’ goods, such as items listed on military or dual-use control lists. By obtaining an IIC, importers commit to bringing goods directly

The recent changes to the U.S. de minimis threshold have become problematic for UK traders. With a value limit of $800 USD per shipment per recipient, Section 321 of the U.S. Tariff Act allows qualifying imports to enter the country duty- and tax-free, without a formal customs entry. Understanding the U.S. De Minimis Rule De minimis is designed to simplify customs clearance for low-value shipments. Under Section 321: Shipments valued at $800 USD or less can enter the U.S. f

HMRC has announced changes to how CHED (Certificate of Health for Export of Dairy) document codes are handled on CDS declarations. The aim is to simplify the process and make it easier to comply with waiver rules. XX Status Code to Be Removed From 23 rd of October 2025, the document status code XX will no longer be available. The XW code will become the default for CHED-related declarations. HMRC advises declarants to start using the correct waiver codes now rather than co

Please note the following important update regarding the Manchester Airport Freight Centre : Manchester Airport is currently undergoing a major infrastructure transformation . As a result, the Border Force has had to readjust its operating model, leading to some changes in the freight team’s service provision. The Trade Counter at Building 302 is now staffed during the following hours: · Monday to Friday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm · Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays:

Commodity codes, tariff codes, HS codes – are all essentially the same thing. It is a unique number that is used around the globe to classify goods. It identifies what your goods are and helps determine: · Duties that may be applicable to the goods · Whether the goods are subject to trade restrictions · Whether they qualify for preferential duty rates under trade agreements. In the UK commodity codes are 10 digits for exports and 8 digits for imports. Unive

Infinity Blue Group accelerates ambitious brands into new markets and channels. We specialise in scaling across marketplaces, direct-to-consumer, retail (bricks & mortar), and content , building reach, streamlining operations, and driving growth. Our Four Pillars of Growth Marketplaces: Full end-to-end launch and management on Amazon, Walmart, and TikTok Shop. We can support with compliance, operations, and optimisation so you can maximise sales. Digital Commerce : Smart tec

When applying for a UK EUR1 Certificate, there may be cases when the invoice/invoices contain goods of non-UK origin, or UK origin goods which are not of preferential origin. In these cases, only goods of UK preferential origin may be included in the EUR1 application. 1. Identifying Non-Originating Goods Any goods which are non-originating or do not meet the preferential origin requirements must be clearly marked with an asterisk (*) on the invoice. 2. Required St

In certain circumstances, a Certificate of Origin may be issued to cover only part of the goods that are listed in the invoice. In these cases, the following procedures must be observed when making these applications. 1. Identifying the Goods in the Invoice Applicants must clearly indicate on the invoice which goods are to be covered by the Certificate of Origin. A symbol (such as an asterisk ‘*’) can be used to do this, however any symbol is acceptable as long as the g

Why “Going Global” is the smartest move for Greater Manchester businesses right now, a new opportunity has arrived for ambitious SMEs across Greater Manchester looking to take their business to the next level. In a powerful collaboration between the GM Business Growth Hub, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, and the Department for Business and Trade, the International Scale Up Programme has officially launched. This initiative is d

The EU and Indonesia have finalised negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA), following the political agreement reached in July by President von der Leyen and President Prabowo Subianto. Talks were led for the EU by Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, currently in Indonesia to engage with businesses ahead of ratification. These agreements mark a major step in the EU’s diversification strategy, opening new expo