Topic
International Trade
Exporting, importing, customs, and global market access
Customs & Border
Choose and work with a customs agent
How to decide if you need a customs agent, choose the right type for your business, understand costs and liability, and set up the necessary authorisations in CDS.
Read guideExport customs declarations and procedures
How to declare exports, what documentation you need, and how to avoid the most common costly customs errors.
Read guideGet an EORI number for importing or exporting
How to get an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number to move goods between the UK and other countries. Covers GB EORI for Great Britain trade and XI EORI for Northern Ireland trade under the Windsor Framework.
Read guideImport customs declarations and procedures
Register for CDS, classify goods with commodity codes, choose between full and simplified declarations, use customs agents, and understand penalties for errors.
Read guideImport duties, VAT and payment options
Understand the types of import charges, calculate customs duty and import VAT, use Postponed VAT Accounting, set up duty deferment, claim preferential rates, and access customs duty reliefs.
Read guideImport licences for controlled goods
How to get import licences for controlled goods including endangered species, controlled drugs, firearms, nuclear materials, and sanctioned goods. Covers which authority to apply to, fees, and application processes.
Read guideRegister for the UK Internal Market Scheme
How to apply for UKIMS authorisation to move goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland with simplified customs requirements. Covers eligibility, benefits, the application process, and ongoing obligations for GB-NI traders.
Read guideRules of origin for preferential trade
How to prove your goods qualify for reduced tariffs under UK trade agreements.
Read guideSelling products in Northern Ireland
How GB businesses can sell products in Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework's dual regulatory regime. Covers the choice between UK and EU product rules, CE and UKNI marking requirements, 'Not for EU' labelling, UKIMS membership, and how to determine which regulatory route to follow for your products.
Read guideTrading with Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework
How UK businesses move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework. Covers UKIMS authorisation, NIRMS for food products, EORI numbers, customs declarations, duty relief, and VAT requirements.
Read guideUse simplified customs procedures
Speed up border clearance with Simplified Declaration Procedure (SDP), Entry in Declarant's Records (EIDR), Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status, Customs Comprehensive Guarantee (CCG), and Inward Processing Relief for manufacturers.
Read guideWindsor Framework: what businesses need to know
An explainer guide to the Windsor Framework for businesses trading between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Covers the green and red lane system, UKIMS authorisation, product marking requirements, and key implementation dates.
Read guideTrade Documentation
Understanding UK export licensing and controls
When you need an export licence, how to apply, and the serious penalties for exporting controlled goods without authorisation.
Read guideExport Markets
Choosing the right export route to market
Agents, distributors, direct sales, e-commerce, licensing, or joint ventures - how to select the best market entry model.
Read guideTrade Finance
UKEF export finance and insurance products
Government-backed funding, insurance, and guarantees for UK exporters - record £14.5 billion support in 2024-25.
Read guideLogistics & Shipping
Export logistics and shipping documentation
Freight methods, Incoterms, commercial invoices, packing lists, and working with freight forwarders.
Read guideModern Slavery Act compliance for businesses
How to comply with Section 54 Modern Slavery Act 2015. Covers the £36 million turnover threshold, statement content requirements, publication deadlines, government registry, due diligence expectations, and enforcement.
Read guideProduct safety responsibilities across the supply chain
Who is responsible for product safety at each stage of the supply chain. Explains the duties of manufacturers, importers, distributors, and online marketplace operators under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 and the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025, including the new UK Responsible Person requirement.
Read guideGuides
Cross-border business between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
How the Common Travel Area, cross-border employment rules, and shared institutions affect businesses operating across the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland border. Covers InterTradeIreland programmes, the all-island Single Electricity Market, and tax treatment of cross-border workers.
Read guideTraveling abroad for export business
Business visas, travel insurance, temporarily exporting samples/equipment, and tax/NI for overseas work.
Read guideUKCA marking: complete guide for manufacturers
How to comply with UK product marking requirements when placing goods on the Great Britain market. Covers when UKCA marking is needed, the December 2024 CE marking recognition policy, conformity assessment routes, and documentation requirements.
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