GOING GLOBAL GOING GLOBAL


The Chamber’s INTERNATIONAL TRADE TEAM can help you navigate your way through all of the regulatory procedures and documents that you’ll need for successful international trading


UK REMAINS PART OF EU FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS DURING TRANSITION PERIOD


The UK’s status during the transition period is a topic of key concern across the International network. Liam Smyth (pictured), Director of Trade


Facilitation for the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “This is particularly in relation to EU Free Trade Agreements, as UK content can count towards certifying goods as being of EU origin. Think British wheels on a BMW built in Germany. Similarly, EU content included in UK-finished goods can also count for UK traders. Think French windscreen wipers on a Mini, built in the UK. Our members need greater clarity on future arrangements to ensure that they can continue to trade smoothly after the transition period.”


HMRC and DIT have advised that during the


transition period that EUR1 movement certificate for preferential tariffs and EC non-preference documents should continue to be issued as they are today. The EU and UK have both stated their positions


to the WTO that during the transition period the UK should be treated as a member state of the EU. The letters sent to the WTO have been issued to all WTO member states which confirms that for traders, it’s business as usual. Liam continued: “We remain concerned that


border agencies in some importing countries may be unaware of the transition arrangements, leading to delays at ports for our traders.


“We continue to support as issues arise, with


the cooperation of DIT in London and with their missions around the globe.” After the transition period, customs


declarations are expected to rise from 55 million to around 300 million per year. Our ChamberCustoms service stands ready to help facilitate smooth trading for exporters, with direct connections to every port in the UK.


For more information on the ChamberCustoms service, visit our website chambercustoms.co.uk or contact the International Trade Team here at MK Chamber on 01604 490490


LOCAL LAWS MAY DIFFER


Often, when a business wants to start trading in a new overseas market, there are some key things to consider up front. Issues such as local laws and compliancy may


be subtly different overseas. These may also become more complex still in Europe, depending on our trading arrangements post Brexit, so planning ahead may be a wise thing to think about. A good local lawyer who


‘ISSUES John Milner


specialises in this field may prove a worthwhile investment, as errors or misjudgements can prove costly in the longer term. For manufacturers, warranty and returns are two aspects of customer service


SUCH AS LOCAL LAWS AND


COMPLIANCY


MAY BE SUBTLY DIFFERENT OVERSEAS’


to consider. For example, if there is an issue with your product, a customer in an overseas market will most likely want to deal with someone local to resolve the issue. Also, warranty period requirements may differ. As most already know, post-sales service is a vital part of keeping customers loyal, but it is often an afterthought when dealing with new markets. If you are looking to expand overseas and would like to chat through your plans, please contact me. I’ve been helping clients like you for over 20 years.


Visit: aliumconsultants.com


Call: 07713 614942 Email: john@aliumconsultants.com


APRIL/MAY 2020 inbusiness 21


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