International Business News

Businesses across the UK continue to face uncertainty when preparing paperwork for overseas shipments—particularly when sending free of charge samples. Recent guidance highlights several recurring points of confusion, prompting customs specialists to clarify the correct procedures to ensure compliance and avoid costly errors. If you are unsure, we offer specialist support in assessing your [...]

Latest Information from your International Business Team at East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce Look to diversify into other markets – engage with our Around the World sessions - Register NOW Bulgaria Webinar 11 March (1200 to 1300). Register in advance for this meeting: Click here to register https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/IYfgE17iTIi1PjfcmpdRDQ Singapore Webinar 23 April (0900 to [...]

You need to register with HMRC if you're planning to complete origin declarations for exports under the UK-India Free Trade Agreement. Register with HMRC if both of the following apply: you’re a UK producer or exporter exporting goods originating in the UK to India you plan to complete origin declarations under the UK-India Free [...]

The current Middle East conflict is already creating immediate uncertainty for supply chains. Critical maritime chokepoints including the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb, the Red Sea corridor, and the Suez Canal form the backbone of these trade flows. Any disruption in these routes immediately increases transit times, freight costs, and insurance premiums. For airfreight the [...]

It has come to our attention that some UK exporters are being requested to enter additional information into Box 7 on EUR1 Movement Certificates. Please be advised that HMRC strictly limits the entries permitted in Box 7. Only the following wording is authorised: “Issued Retrospective” – to be used solely when applying for an [...]

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. 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 Vaping Products Duty (VPD) registration is [...]

International Trade January 2026 – Newsletter Issue 15 | 23-01-2026 We would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year from all of us in the International Business team! The latest news from your International Business Team at East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce! The World Does Business. Be Ready in 2026. Our [...]

International trade is full of opportunity, and UK businesses are increasingly looking beyond today’s challenges to what’s possible next. While recent National research highlights ongoing pressures such as regulatory change, customs complexity, and shifting markets, it also shows something far more important: businesses are ready to act, upskill, and grow internationally. According to the [...]

What Happened On 22 September 2025, HMRC secured a £4.7 million judgement against WM Morrison supermarkets over the declared origin of aluminium foil. This case is more then a technical customs dispute, it signals a major compliance and financial risk for UK importers. What Happened Morrisons declared foil as Thai origin. HMRC argued the [...]

Information for heavy goods vehicle hauliers or drivers who attend an inland border facility, where customs and document checks can take place away from ports. The facilities will act as a government office of departure (for outbound journeys) and a government office of destination (for inbound journeys), where hauliers can start and end journeys [...]