UK Act of Parliament 2021 United Kingdom

Trade Act 2021

What this means for your business

1 obligations
1 penalties
1 can imprison
5 guides
Enforced by
OPSS, ECJU, Food Standards Scotland
Applies to
United Kingdom
On this page
1 compliance obligation, 5 practical guides across 4 topics
Read full text on legislation.gov.uk

What you must do

1 compliance obligation under this legislation — 1 can result in imprisonment.

Offences and prohibitions 1

Wrongly disclose confidential personal information

2 years imprisonment

If you share information that reveals a person's identity and the disclosure breaches the rules in section 14, you commit an offence. A defence is only available if you reasonably believed the disclosure was lawful or that the information was already public. Conviction can result in up to two years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine, or on summary conviction a shorter jail term and a fine up to the statutory maximum.

Any Person s.15 OPSS

Penalties for non-compliance

1 penalty under this legislation. 1 can result in imprisonment. 1 carry an unlimited fine.

Prison risk

Wrongly disclose confidential personal information

Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment

Either way s.15 Penalises: Wrongly disclose confidential personal information

Practical guidance

Our guides explain how to comply with the requirements above.

Rules of origin for preferential trade

How to prove your goods qualify for reduced tariffs under UK trade agreements.

VAT and tax on exports

Zero-rating exports, evidence requirements, rules of origin, and claiming tariff-free trade under UK agreements.

Export market research and selection

How to research overseas markets, assess demand, understand competition, and evaluate market entry costs.

Packaging and labeling for export markets

Country-specific packaging and labeling requirements - UK standards don't automatically apply overseas.

Get paid for your exports

Payment methods, export finance, and how to reduce the risk of non-payment when selling overseas.

Sections and provisions

25 classified provisions from this legislation.

2 Duties 1 Offences and penalties 10 Powers 2 Definitions 3 Exemptions

Duties 2

  • s.7 Provision of advice, support and assistance by the TRA
  • Schedule 4 The Trade Remedies Authority increase attributable

Offences and penalties 1

  • s.15 Offence relating to disclosure under section 14

Powers 10

  • s.1 Implementation of the Agreement on Government Procurement
  • s.2 Implementation of international trade agreements
  • Schedule 2 Regulations under Part 1
  • Schedule 5 Transfer schemes
  • s.8 Trade and Agriculture Commission
  • s.10 Trade and Agriculture Commission: further provision
  • s.11 Trade and Agriculture Commission: repeal
  • s.12 Collection of exporter information by HMRC
  • s.13 Disclosure of information by HMRC
  • s.14 Disclosure of information by other authorities

Definitions 2

  • s.5 Interpretation of Part 1 appropriate authority devolved authority free trade agreement
  • s.16 Interpretation

Exemptions 3

  • s.4 Regulations: devolved authorities and general provision
  • Schedule 1 Restrictions on devolved authorities
  • Schedule 3 Exceptions to restrictions in the devolution settlements