HMRC together with other UK Government bodies (UK Border Force, DEFRA, DCMS, etc.) have a great interest in the movement of goods to and from the UK. This is in part due to the requirement to compile and monitor trade statistics and the balance between import and export, as well as ensuring that the correct import duties and taxes are paid. However, importantly, their interest also lies in the enforcement of strict policies surrounding the prohibition or restriction of goods and their flows.
Certain ‘non-standard’ goods or controlled goods have special requirements placed upon them, the terms for each goods or category of goods are laid out in the UK Trade Tariff. The tariff list all the product licensing, product regulation, certification, restrictions and prohibition data by import and export. For example: some dual-use goods are subject to licensing restrictions; some controlled drugs are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 whilst explosives, firearms, fireworks are subject to The Fireworks (Amendment) Regulations 2004.
Similar government bodies, regulations, customs processes, and border controls exist in all export markets too, and as either the ‘importer of record’ or the ‘exporter of record’ there is a level of regulator burden on you to ensure that you can legally import or export your goods.
We know from extensive work with UK clients across a wealth of business sectors, that the regulatory and legal framework surrounding the physical shipment of goods and the ability to ‘legally’ place them on the destination market is one of the most complex areas they face in global trade. Regulation can be difficult to navigate and expensive to get wrong.
Working with Global Trade Department helps to alleviate this burden for you. We undertake what we call regulatory/legal studies or assessments that essentially sees us analysing the regulation that applies to your goods in a certain market(s) and advising what needs to be in place to legally ship them and place them on the target market. This is often as part of a Global Market Research engagement, conversely one of our Global Trade Managers will conduct this as part of their other responsibilities, or it can even be a standalone project.
At GTD, we are often heard to say that it is not tariffs that stifle international trade but rather overseas regulation and an exporter’s inability to comply; in our experience, regulatory knowledge and compliance is paramount. GTD provides practical advice on all EU and global regulation and compliance enabling companies to begin or resume trade in the shortest possible time frame.
GTD has EU and global sustainability regulation mapped out to 2040 and advises clients on the impacts and compliance requirements of these depending on their products and export markets. It is never too soon to focus on sustainability regulation; compliance often mandates significant changes to companies’ processes, operations, and data governance, this can take time to implement.
GTD undertakes what we call regulatory/legal studies or assessments that essentially sees us analysing the regulation that applies to your goods in a certain market(s) and advising what needs to be in place to legally ship them and place them on the target market.
GTD provides companies with peace of mind that they are sourcing established, trustworthy and credible overseas partners, be they suppliers or local market distributors, resellers, and agents. Moreover, in recent years, the increased focus on sustainability, has seen us prioritising global partners who truly share our clients’ values and ethos so they can be sure their brand is protected.
Both the nature of your product and/or service and its associated regulation in the export market will dictate the level of adaptation it requires before it can be legally placed on that market. GTD helps clients avoid costly mistakes whilst also securing early market adoption and revenue growth by ensuring their product or service aligns with relevant regulation from the get go.
Effective and compliant, in-country marketing is paramount to a brand’s successful penetration of its target market. By working closely with GTD and our team of UK-based and local market specialists and agencies, you will quickly develop a global marketing strategy that best suits your brand, but importantly also complies with local regulation.
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.
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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