International Business News

Do you really know where your goods come from? It’s a question HMRC is asking more often and getting it wrong can lead to costly consequences for your business. Rules of origin are one of the most misunderstood aspects of customs compliance. Post-Brexit, they’ve become even more critical for UK businesses claiming tariff preferences [...]

The United States is set to eliminate the long-standing de minimis duty exemption for low-value imports under a sweeping trade reform law passed as part of the newly enacted mega-bill. The exemption, which currently allows commercial shipments valued at $800 or less to enter the United States duty-free, will officially end on 1 July [...]

Import customs valuation is the process customs authorities use to determine the value of imported goods for calculating import duties and VAT. The aim is to ensure the correct amount of tax is paid when goods enter a country. Customs valuation follows a strict hierarchy of six methods, applied in order. Each method reflects [...]

On 8 July 2025, the final session of the International Trade Skills Bootcamp delivered a powerful close to what has been a transformative journey for participating businesses. With expert insights, real-world success stories, and a deep dive into essential export resources, delegates left equipped and inspired to take their international trade ambitions to the [...]

The Agents and Distributors training session held on 1 July 2025 was expertly led to delegates on Skills Bootcamp by Mandy Lockett, International Business Director at East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce. With over 32 years of international and commercial experience, Mandy has built a career that spans the globe - working directly with agents [...]

The next challenge isn’t about tariffs or customs checks, but about the rising compliance costs and complexity of Europe’s new e-Invoicing rules. There’s a revolution brewing in the backrooms of British business. It doesn’t come with picket lines or megaphones - more like the soft hum of servers and the click of a mouse. [...]

Attention Lancashire Businesses: Incredible News! Due to the success of the first ever Skills Bootcamp in International Trade, delivered in East Lancashire by the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, we have been awarded additional funding to deliver more Skills Bootcamp in International Trade. Lancashire is one of only two regions in the UK to [...]

International Trade June 2025 – Newsletter Issue 8 | 25-06-2025 The latest news from your International Trade Team at East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce! Sizzle & Connect International Trade Club Summer BBQ 2025 You’re Invited! Get ready for an afternoon of delicious food, great company, and summer fun! Our International Trade Club Summer BBQ [...]

How Inward & Outward Processing could save your business thousands – Lancashire firms are already cutting costs and boosting efficiency. Don’t miss your chance to benefit! Lancashire businesses that trade internationally could save money on VAT and import duties by using two helpful customs schemes: Inward Processing (IP) and Outward Processing (OP). Inward Processing [...]

Importing goods for repair and return under warranty? Understand the post-Brexit VAT rules, ownership implications, and how to reclaim import VAT to avoid unexpected costs. Since we left the EU, the rules have changed, and sending/receiving goods is more challenging. This can be especially difficult for companies offering warranty on goods sold into overseas [...]