Getting started with import and export UK-wide

Managing export business risk and corruption

UK Bribery Act compliance, due diligence on overseas buyers, political risk assessment, and IP protection abroad.

Guide summary

You must take steps to prevent bribery when exporting. Check overseas buyers carefully, especially for high-risk countries or politically exposed people. Protect your intellectual property by registering it early in each country. Use secure payment methods like letters of credit to avoid non-payment.

  • Set up procedures to prevent bribery
  • Check all overseas buyers before doing business
  • Keep records of checks for 5 years after deal ends
  • Register trademarks before you enter a new market
  • Use a Letter of Credit for high-value exports
  • Get senior management approval for politically exposed people
  • Check FATF lists for high-risk countries
  • Self-report bribery to the SFO to avoid prosecution
  • Use UKEF insurance to cover up to 95% of losses
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Related guides in Compliance & Legal

Exporting exposes businesses to risks beyond domestic trade: buyer non-payment, political instability, corruption, intellectual property theft, and contract disputes. Understanding and managing these risks is essential for sustainable international growth.

Adequate procedures defence

While companies face unlimited fines for failure to prevent bribery by associated persons (Section 7), you can defend by proving you had 'adequate procedures' in place. The Ministry of Justice outlines six principles: proportionate procedures, top-level commitment, risk assessment, due diligence on third parties, communication/training, and monitoring/review.

Self-reporting to SFO

New 2025 guidance: If you discover suspected bribery and self-report to the Serious Fraud Office while cooperating fully, you can expect to be invited to negotiate a Deferred Prosecution Agreement rather than face prosecution, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Protecting your intellectual property overseas

IP rights are territorial. UK trademark registration only protects you in the UK. Most countries use 'first to file' systems, meaning whoever files first gets protection regardless of who used it first. This makes early registration critical.

Payment risk and export credit insurance

When exporting to higher-risk markets or unfamiliar buyers, consider UK Export Finance insurance covering up to 95% of losses from non-payment, insolvency, or political events. Letters of Credit provide bank-guaranteed payment security for high-value exports.