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enjoyment to participation. Today, in an effort to reduce the environmental impact of standards development, in-person meetings are less frequent. Nevertheless, serving on standards committees continues to offer signifi cant personal development benefi ts. It enhances your credibility with customers and stakeholders, expands your professional network, and helps you acquire new skills.
Regrettably, due to budgetary constraints, many UK and European companies feel unable to take advantage of these opportunities. In contrast, Chinese organisations are actively seizing them. For example, they have recently established new committees focused on laboratory design, gradually encroaching on areas covered by existing standards. Whenever a committee chair or secretariat position becomes available, they are quick to volunteer.
This presents a clear risk: those who set the standards ultimately shape the market. Would you prefer that to be your organisation - or the Chinese?
If you would like to volunteer to help develop standards relevant to your products, please do get in touch:
jacqueline.balian@
gambica.org.uk
Are you fi nding EU companies reluctant to buy from the UK?
A GAMBICA member has reported increasing reluctance among EU-based customers to purchase from UK companies following Brexit. This stems from a persistent and damaging misconception: that buying directly from the UK is no longer feasible or is overly complicated.
And if you are experiencing export challenges - help is available
It can’t be denied that since the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, the global trade landscape for UK exporters has become more complex. Customs declarations, import VAT charges, and rules of origin checks have all increased the administrative burden on businesses.
For exports to markets further afield, navigating intricate customs procedures also requires meticulous attention to detail. Correct classification of goods using Harmonised System (HS) codes and adherence to both UK and EU regulatory standards are essential. Even minor errors can result in delays, financial penalties, or rejected shipments. Compliance does not end at customs - VAT registration and fiscal representation are now frequently required in the destination country, adding further complexity for firms that previously operated within a single market.
In the Middle East, exporters face additional requirements such as consular legalisation of documents, product conformity inspections, and strict labelling and language standards - particularly for regulated goods including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Without thorough preparation, businesses risk having consignments rejected at the border.
Is this concern being raised with you?
Do researchers or procurement teams across Europe assume that purchasing from the UK involves excessive delays, unpredictable import charges, or complex customs procedures - concerns that may outweigh the benefi ts of working with a UK supplier?
Are these perceptions affecting your export fi gures?
If so, it may be time to address the issue directly. Please let me know if you would support a campaign urging the Government to communicate more clearly and proactively with EU markets, reassuring potential customers that:
• Purchasing from UK suppliers remains straightforward and entirely feasible
• Any additional steps introduced post-Brexit can be managed effi ciently with the right processes
• UK companies remain fully committed to delivering the same high standards of service to EU customers as before.
Please let me know your thoughts:
jacqueline.balian@
gambica.org.uk
Meanwhile, in the United States, exporters are encountering a range of challenges, from complex customs procedures and import regulations to state-level requirements that may differ from federal mandates. Compliance with standards such as those set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is essential for specific product categories, yet these are often overlooked.
For those handling sensitive or high-value shipments, robust documentation support is critical. You may need Certificates of Origin, EUR1 Movement Certificates, and ATA Carnets for example.
GAMBICA partner organisation, Chamber International, offers product conformity support, translation services, customs check-ups and hands-on workshops on HMRC audit preparation, customs record keeping, and consular legalisation services in order to simplify requirements and reduce potential bottlenecks. Their product conformity support and translation services also help exporters meet both technical and cultural expectations with professionalism and precision.
GAMBICA members benefit from preferential access to Chamber International’s services, giving them a head start in managing these challenges. However, even if you are not currently a GAMBICA member, you can still contact Chamber International to access their full range of support, including customs check-ups and practical workshops on HMRC audit preparation and customs record keeping. You can reach them at
www.chamber-international.com
It may be better to be late than never - but better still to get the right help and be on time.
WWW.LABMATE-ONLINE.COM
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