International Business News

After months of learning, networking and developing international business expertise, East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce's Summer Skills Bootcamp has officially come to an end. From May to July, delegates have taken part in a comprehensive programme designed to equip businesses with the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in international markets. The Bootcamp began [...]

Register your interest now with s.heywood@chamberelancs.co.uk or call on 01254 356454. Specialist funding is now available to support the training and development of your employees’ international trade skills. Like many of Lancashire’s leading businesses before you, your team can access this same level of support to strengthen their understanding of both exporting and importing [...]

The low value import threshold has been brought forward and will be implemented October 2028 Meaning goods valued at £135 or less will be subject to customs import duties. Get prepared now Item-Level Customs Data Requirements: The new system may require item-level data in customs declarations for low-value consignments. This would increase transparency and [...]

With HMRC proposing mandatory registration for customs intermediaries, now is the time to review your customs arrangements. ChamberCustoms is our authorised nationwide customs brokerage service, helping businesses stay compliant, reduce risk and keep goods moving. HMRC-approved. Exporter-trusted. As a ChamberCustoms delivery partner, East Lancashire Chamber acts as a Customs Agent on behalf of businesses [...]

The European Council has confirmed a significant change to customs policy, introducing a fixed €3 duty on small parcels entering the EU. The measure will come into effect from 1 July 2026 and primarily targets low-value goods imported via e-commerce. What’s Changing? Under the new rules, all consignments valued at less than €150 will [...]

Businesses trading internationally are being urged to prepare for significant updates to commodity codes set to take effect on 1 January 2028. It remains the responsibility of each company, in line with HMRC requirements, to ensure the correct commodity codes are used on all exports and imports in accordance with the UK Trade Tariff. [...]

Firms Warn of Rising Costs from Iran Crisis New research shows 80% of surveyed firms report an existing or expected impact from the Iran conflict, including energy price increases, shipping disruption and rises in raw material costs The manufacturing sector is seeing the biggest impact, with 68% of firms already being affected by the [...]

Additional Resources For additional information about ACE Portal access and ACH refunds visit the resources below: One Page Overview: ACH Refund Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions: ACE Portal and ACH Refunds FAQs Training Video: Applying for an ACE Portal Importer Account and Enrolling in ACH Refunds Training Guide: ACE Portal Importer Account Application Training Guide: ACH Refund Enrollment in the [...]

The UK government is introducing Vaping Products Duty (VPD) and the Vaping Duty Stamps (VDS) Scheme from 1‌‌‌ October‌‌‌ 2026, with registration opening from 1‌‌‌ April‌‌‌ 2026. Window is now open click here  VPD and VDS are part of the government’s 'Plan for Change' to create a smoke-free generation and tackle youth vaping. What Businesses Need to Know [...]

HMRC has launched a new subscription feature on the Online Trade Tariff (OTT), enabling businesses to receive customised notifications when tariff data changes that are relevant to their import or export activity. This update reduces the need for regular manual tariff checks and helps businesses stay informed about changes that could impact their declarations, [...]