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Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) application

Our specialists can work with you to achieve AEO status, an increasingly recognised quality standard or kitemark in international trade, considered to be a form of trust or self-auditing by HMRC and other customs authorities. Our knowledge and experience helps to shorten the time taken to obtain the authorisation and also improve the likelihood of being successful on first application

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Sustainable Global Trade

Sustainability and climate change are set to completely transform trade liberalisation and the globalisation landscape over the coming years; SMEs need to prepare for this.
Sustainability and climate change are set to completely transform trade liberalisation and the globalisation landscape over the coming years; SMEs need to prepare for this.
Global Trade Department has developed several innovative frameworks and tools to help global traders assess their current mode of operating and guide them to adopt sustainable trade practices that serve to gain competitive advantage and futureproof growth considering future legislative changes globally.
Global Trade Department has developed several innovative frameworks and tools to help global traders assess their current mode of operating and guide them to adopt sustainable trade practices that serve to gain competitive advantage and futureproof growth considering future legislative changes globally.
The UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide SMEs with a best practice framework for safeguarding the environment, fostering global prosperity, leading innovation, and future-proofing growth.
The UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide SMEs with a best practice framework for safeguarding the environment, fostering global prosperity, leading innovation, and future-proofing growth.
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Overview

Over the last 15-20 years, Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status has become an internationally recognised quality standard or kitemark demonstrating that a company’s role in
international supply is secure and that its customs control procedures have met the very highest standards.

There are 3 types of status depending on whether a company wants to be recognised for
customs compliance excellence, safety and security measures, or both i.e. AEOC, AEOS, or both. Companies typically apply for this kitemark due to the numerous benefits it can deliver, most notably:

  • Improved ease and speed in obtaining customs simplifications and authorisations (IP, OP, etc.)
  • Reduced risk score leading to less customs documentary checks and inspections of your goods
  • A guarantee waiver up to the level of your Duty Deferment Account (DDA) meaning you don’t need to obtain a customs comprehensive guarantee
  • Priority treatment of your consignments at customs
  • Reduces entry and exit summary declarations requirements
  • Global recognition and reciprocal arrangements i.e. UK AEO status is widely recognised amongst global customs authorities across the EU, Japan, China, the US, Switzerland, and New Zealand.

Global Trade Department has worked with several clients to help them achieve this standard, considered to be a form of trust or self-auditing by HMRC. We are familiar with the evidence companies must show to demonstrate excellent standards of tax and customs compliance, record keeping, financial solvency, competence and professional qualifications, and safety and security.

This experience helps to shorten the time taken to obtain the authorisation and also improve the likelihood of being successful on first application.

More customs hands-on support

Our Global Trade Manager programme bolsters your company’s efforts by managing your entire international trade function; once your revenues justify bringing on full-time staff.

GTD supports companies to resolve some of these issues and more.

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Most customs issues arise from inaccurate and incomplete documentation, logistics problems, and regulatory non-compliance.

GTD conducts on-site, customs audits, exploring processes, systems and documentation, detecting areas of non-compliance and helping ensure you are maintaining the correct data and documentation, and importantly, for the requisite time.

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Global Trade Department has a 100% success rate of obtaining Full Authorisation for IP on behalf of clients. We work with clients to ensure that authorisation prerequisites are in place, and to understand their 3-year or 5-year forecasts (depended on commodity) for processing and/or repair.

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Global Trade Department frequently advises companies on the exact compliance requirements surrounding Outward Processing, especially in the case of ‘replacement goods’ using either the Standard Exchange System (SES) or the Prior-Export Equivalents (PEE) process. We also have an excellent awareness of the evidence a company needs to supply and have a 100% success rate in applying for Full Authorisation on behalf of clients.

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Obtaining authorisation to operate a private customs warehouse is just one of several facilitations or simplifications offered to UK established companies by HMRC to help reduce the burden of import duty and VAT.

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Global Trade Department has worked with several clients to help them achieve this standard, considered to be a form of trust or self-auditing by HMRC. We are familiar with the evidence companies must show to demonstrate excellent standards of tax and customs compliance, record keeping, financial solvency, competence and professional qualifications, and safety and security.

Learn more

GTD has successfully obtained VAT registrations and EU EORI numbers in all of the major EU Member States, enabling B2C and B2B companies to appeal to a wider range of customers due to their perception of a much improved purchase and delivery experience. If you are looking to improve the EU customer experience through better management of VAT and offering Incoterms® DDP, get in touch.

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More customs support
Consultancy

From strategy definition, market research, and regulatory studies through to customs issue resolution, partner selection, and market launch, our consultants guide your global trade efforts to mitigate risk and optimise success.

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Bespoke training

Our comprehensive, wide-ranging training courses are delivered by experienced domain specialists and pitched perfectly for expanding your team’s import and export knowledge whilst simultaneously building their confidence.

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GTD Platform

Our bespoke customs and regulatory compliance platform leverages leading technology to provide vital, cost effective tools, templates, best practice blueprints, and all-round solutions for our micro businesses and SMEs.

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GTD Global Sustainability Audit

Obtain an impartial, outside-in assessment of your current global trading processes and practices, with practical recommendations of how you can incorporate sustainability values and targets to meet future EU and global regulatory requirements and drive long-term growth.

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What our clients say

"The EU Exit Action Plan became one of our go-to documents to jump-start our exports following Brexit. Andrea’s assistance was absolutely invaluable."
Simon KingHaith's
“Global Trade Department really did understand the business by the end and was able to provide us with all the relevant advice regarding obtaining a European VAT number and dealing with the new VAT situation."
Marie PalmerCast Iron Welding Services
“Andrea became our advisor … You’re never sure with these free consultations what you’re going to get out of it, and whether you’re actually going to be sold to instead of helped. But Andrea instantly got into the detail of our business and offered helpful solutions immediately.”
Claire RansomLazy Flora
"We've been able to access advice from sources we would never have known to contact, and the advice has been competent, proactive, and incredibly supportive."
Andy CowperthwaiteBlanson Limited
"If you have been wondering how to take your business to the next level, the Investor Pitching Fast Track is a fantastic workshop offering the opportunity to hear from highly successful entrepreneurs and obtain down to the earth advice on how to navigate the complex innovation support landscape, getting the right advice/support at the right time for your specific business."
Erica YangChilton Computing
“These webinars cover so much ground, but it’s broken down into manageable chunks and presented in an easy-to-understand way."
Gina ThompsonPreci-Spark Ltd
"I would highly recommend this program to even the most confident and experienced companies who trade internationally.”
Ambrose KingstonAerodyne
"Andrea is exceptionally personable and experienced in growing international markets. We have benefited enormously from her insight, connections, and ability to give us definitive, concrete suggestions as to how we could surmount our global business challenges. Thank you for your great advice and mentorship, it has been of tremendous value to us."
Conor DelaneyGlobal Dream Travel
“I’m Founder of a tech start-up which is aiming to sell an online service overseas at an early stage. The 1-1 with Global Trade Department was an obvious place to start when I was looking for advice, and my hopes were fully vindicated."
Rich YoungSmarter - The Knowledge Exchange
"During the 1:1 support sessions, Global Trade Department provided invaluable and easy to understand advice on a variety of topics."
Lorraine LawtonRocket Creative Design Limited
“Just completed the introductory fact-finding session with ‘Global Trade Department’ Nearly cancelled this as I have a busy schedule but really glad I didn’t. Seriously, don’t miss out."
Hugh TyzackGrapplefix
"I am very much looking forward to the report, and confident that the action we take off the back of it will help us strengthen our position and grow, despite current economic and political uncertainty."
Renee WatsonCuriosity Box
“Our company has ambitious plans for international growth but we didn’t really know where to start. Having an export 1-2-1 with Andrea was perfect timing, and has meant we have been able to develop an export strategy to deliver the planned growth."
John HarrisSwim Secure
The Investor Pitching Fast Track course run by OxLEP eScalate is fantastic. The sessions cover talks from established business in advanced stages of investment through to actual investors giving an inside viewpoint. These speakers added an incredible amount of value."
Tim BarryBikeable
"A Fantastic two day investor pitching fast track workshop with OxLEP Business. It was great to pitch our proposition to the delegates today. So many great take aways, top tips from industry experts, feedback on our investor pitch and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of delegates to share the time with, some truly inspiring and incredible people."
Victoria JeffreyuWatch
"I had the pleasure of a 1:1 call with Andrea Collins of GTD. I cannot thank her enough for her expert advice with regard to several queries and concerns I had relating to Customs declarations, EU VAT thresholds, and B2B digital service sales with the EU; Andrea went into huge detail on all those points and completely allayed my fears!"
SHARON DAYMANHive IP
"Thank you so much for your time and knowledge and support again today. Very, very much appreciated – you have made a big difference to us in this appalling situation and we are so grateful for your help and wisdom."
CHRISSIE PROBERT JONESEat Sleep Doodle
"Andrea is an absolute pleasure to work with and provided us with great support particularly in relation to raising investment. Having worked with Andrea over the years I would highly recommend, a wealth of expertise and support coupled with a comforting style of delivery that the team and I warmed to."
Andrew EtheringtonP3MO
"Andrea has been an invaluable catalyst for InvictIQ. Her ability to find innovative solutions for every challenge and her unwavering support is remarkable. I highly recommend Andrea to anyone seeking a trusted advisor in navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship."
Sanghamitra ChakravartyInvictIQ
"Andrea provides perception wrapped in enthusiasm, which makes a very motivational combination for any entrepreneur or businessperson who needs a sounding board, advice, or impetus, to take the steps necessary to achieve and sustain growth. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Andrea to help anyone who needs to get a fresh perspective to help you grow your business."
Stephen SpencerStephen Spencer & Associates
"Andrea is a font of knowledge and a breathe of fresh air! I learned so much about business growth but also about good business foundations. I found Andrea was able to understand the nature and complexity of my business in an instant. Andrea constructively challenged my thinking and was able to draw out new ways of thinking. She invokes confidence where it needs to be but helps find the areas that need a little re-shape."
Mary McCarronConnect Neurotherapy Services Ltd
"I've had several interactions with Andrea and during each she has provided a wealth of useful business advice. She listens carefully and is adept at translating theory to individual business contexts with practical guidance. As well as being exceptionally knowledgeable, she is also a pleasure to work with. I can highly recommend her!"
Caroline JohnstoneRawstone Consulting
"Andrea has been advising and coaching me for almost eight months in my capacity as MD at TeamLytica. I always look forward to our sessions - Andrea's relaxed and open approach means she is easy and straightforward to communicate with. Behind the smiles and humour, Andrea sets high standards and expectations of both herself and, more importantly, me. Her advice, guidance, and support comes from a place of abundant experience rather than an academic waffle. I also feel Andrea really cares about the outcomes and success of my business and I appreciate that 'buy-in' just as much."
Mark HideTeamlytica
"When it comes to business start-ups and business growth, Andrea's mind is like a Swiss army knife, finding the perfect tool for every challenge. She is an incredible mine of information. I'm extremely grateful for all the assistance and the connections she's provided, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her wealth of experience to anyone else in business. She's an absolute star."
Mya PadgetDrone ID
"I have been incredibly fortunate to work with Andrea. She is knowledgeable, experienced, very well regarded and has a wealth of international development experience that will benefit any person or company working with her. She also has a growing network of like-minded professional contacts and touch points and I would have no hesitation in recommending her services."
Darren EvansAfter Cloud
"The lovely Andrea was a huge help to me whilst I was doing the eScalate programme. She helped guide me through the grant process and was always there for me when I needed her, offering great advice and tips. She was a great listener and really got to understand my business and situation. Her knowledge of exports was also really helpful to me as my business imported and exported at the time. I'm very sure that without Andrea's help I wouldn't have won the ERDF grant. I always enjoyed our 121s."
Carol IngramFirefly Merchandise
"Andrea's commitment to supporting UK micro businesses and SMEs is truly inspiring. Through the launch of the Global Trade Department, she has actively assisted these companies in expanding their international reach, promoting UK goods and services abroad, and bolstering supply chain resilience through global sourcing. Her dedication to advancing the interests of UK businesses on a global scale is unmatched."
Sarah MolsOutside Ideas
"Andrea advised me as part of the eScalate program on Global Trade and in particular on Supply chain analysis and mapping. She was very knowledgable and through in her approach, and a massive support to me. Her energy, encouragement and passion for sustainability has been motivating to me and my own personal development."
Katherine MaunderThread Tales
"Andrea has been a supportive adviser to me for some years now, always giving me truly valuable advice or directing me to resources that can help. I would thoroughly recommend her expertise, knowledge & her willingness to help."
Daren ElsleyBollox
"For the past 18 months I have had the pleasure of working with Andrea whereby her company actively help me in this world of Start-Up's. So even with over 30 years commercial experience running 2 small Plc's I was amazed to see the breadth of knowledge being offered, much of which was new to me. Above all it was Andrea's availability to listen and offer advice indeed meaningful introductions that makes her and her company a resource more should use."
Malcolm BallBeyond the Map
"Wonderful experience working with Andrea, full of energy, ideas and ways to grow and support our therapy service"
Tom MurfittOxford CBT
"Andrea is always very knowledgeable regarding the various topic discussions and has an amazing ability to make the group sessions a well-structured and informative. She is also a kind and supportive person, who takes the time to get to know you and understand your business and the issues you may be experiencing. She will then offer genuine support to help guide you through any potential solutions. She also has a wealth of knowledgeable people within her network."
Steve GeeGForce Recruitment
"Andrea was the organiser and mentor of an Investor Pitching Fast Track event I attended This event brought together many different businesses wanting to scale up. Andrea created a very trusted and inspiring environment for us to learn and grow our network. The selection of the invited speakers and Andrea's knowledge and presentations were great, clear and inspiring. Thank you for a great event."
Rita HendricusdottirReg Metrics
"We were looking for support to guide us through the exploration of new markets abroad. We were introduced to Andrea at GTD who worked tirelessly with us, showing patience and understanding in every question we had. The support and guidance paid significant dividends upon the acceptance of a private customs warehouse authorisation and continued support through applications for VAT numbers throughout the EU.”
Rachel BinksHome Curtains
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Great Britain: Global Trade Department Ltd, Kingston House, Great Western Way, Swindon, Wilshire, SN5 8UB, Great Britain.
Global Trade Department Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales, Company no: 07000152. VAT no: GB994 7629 49

EU/Northern Ireland: Global Trade Department (NI) Ltd, Office 834, 92 Castle Street, Belfast, BT1 1HE, Northern Ireland.
Global Trade Department (NI) Ltd is a company registered in Northern Ireland, Company no: NI724330

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