a new UK Government Export Strategy published by the Department of International Trade (DIT) in November. In a post-Brexit world, this strategy aims specifi cally to deliver better support for exporters, improved access to fi nance, and more accurate and extensive trade data, amongst other benefi ts. Outside of Europe, the Government’s
programme of agreeing trade deals across the globe in the wake of Brexit continues, with the most recent round of negotiations under way between the UK and New Zealand. Progress has been made across all chapters, with some having already been closed. An Agreement in Principle towards a free trade agreement is expected over the coming months. T e UK has also recently become a Dialogue
Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – the fi rst such dialogue ASEAN has agreed in 25 years – and this will lead to closer cooperation between the UK and the region on a range of issues, including trade and investment.
Keeping import duty at bay On the import front, one of the most signifi cant recent developments is that the duty suspensions on certain imported goods under the EU regime have now been incorporated into post-Brexit UK law.
These goods are typically used in domestic
production, and the rules about what is and is not covered are (predictably) complex, but in principle they should not have changed materially from the
previous EU model. If your businesses is seeking to expand or extend the type of goods
it imports, or to import goods for the fi rst time, it will be important to get ahead of the curve, and you can do this by consulting the A-Z list at
www.trade-tariff
.service.gov.uk/a-z-index/a
EU workers in the UK – the rules have changed Whilst importing goods is one thing, importing workers is quite another, and if your business employs or is looking to employ non-UK or non-Irish citizens, you must now conduct an online check for digital proof (known as an eVisa) of an applicant’s actual visa to work in the UK – passports and national identity cards no longer suffi ce. T is applies to EU citizens, and, critically, includes even EU, EEA
and Swiss citizens with settled or pre-settled status (although not if employed by the business before July 1, 2021). T e requirement applies to those with a Hong Kong BNO visa and some other nationalities who have moved to the UK more recently under the points-based immigration system.
Global trade, local help In short, change is afoot in international trade, and whilst much of it is positive, navigating the elements that seem to spell overheads, complexity and expense can perhaps seem like a bridge too far for many local businesses – particularly when they are still reeling from the uncertainty of Brexit and the ravages of the pandemic. Our message to them, and to you, is clear: when it comes to selling
to the world, at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce there is support close to home if you need it.
For more information, contact Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce on 01582 522448 or email
info@chamber-business.com
ALL THINGS BUSINESS 45
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