• SPS Agreement: Preparing your Business

    Published on: 30th March 2026

    Any questions or in the need to be compliant with your import and export declarations please email: CDS@chamberelancs.co.uk. The government is forming a new strategic partnership with the EU on the trade and movement of plants, plant products, animals, animal products, feed and food. This is called a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement. It [...]

  • UK trade in goods by business characteristics 2024

    Published on: 30th March 2026

    UK overseas trade in goods statistics (OTS) data has been linked with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) business statistics. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has linked the UK overseas trade in goods statistics (OTS) with business statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Inter-Departmental Business Register (IDBR) to produce statistics on the [...]

  • UK Alignment with EU SPS Rules

    Published on: 18th March 2026

    Any questions or in the need to be compliant with your import and export declarations please email: CDS@chamberelancs.co.uk Arne Mielken from Customs Manager has produced this extremely comprehensive and very informative briefing. To cut red tape and costs for importing and exporting with the EU, the UK will align with EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary [...]

  • First CBAM Certificate price to be published on 7 April – EU Importers

    Published on: 16th March 2026

    The implementation of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) reaches a new milestone: the first quarterly price of CBAM certificates will soon be published by the European Commission. Importers of CBAM goods will have to buy CBAM certificates from February 2027 to cover their 2026 imports. Unlike from 2027 where the Commission will [...]

  • UK Businesses Explore New Export Opportunities in Bulgaria

    Published on: 12th March 2026

    Webinar connects members with in‑market Bulgarian Trade Specialists and highlights opportunities across manufacturing, defence, infrastructure, tech and innovation. Members recently joined a focused webinar exploring Bulgaria’s growing potential as a dynamic, business‑friendly market for UK exporters. Delivered by in‑market Trade Specialists, the session gave an overview of Bulgaria’s evolving business environment and the wide-ranging [...]

  • Clarity on Customs: Experts Address Common Mistakes When Sending Samples Overseas

    Published on: 9th March 2026

    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 [...]

  • International Business News – February 2026 – Issue 16

    Published on: 9th March 2026

    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 [...]

  • Important – if you Export to India

    Published on: 6th March 2026

    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 [...]

  • Middle East Conflict – What Precautions your Business can take

    Published on: 5th March 2026

    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 [...]

  • Important Notice for UK Exporters – Completion of Box 7 on EUR1 Movement Certificates.

    Published on: 2nd March 2026

    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 [...]

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