Author name: Andrea Collins

Andrea is a seasoned global trade specialist having spent almost 30 years in the industry. She is a passionate ambassador for UK micro businesses and SMEs having founded Global Trade Department especially to support this hugely important contingent of the global economy. Andrea’s passion is global regulation and customs controls; she works tirelessly to make these potential barriers to trade surmountable for GTD clients and those referred by the DBT, British Chambers, Growth Hubs, and Local Authorities.

UK GCC FTA

GTD’s initial take on the Gulf Cooperation Council–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (GCC–UK FTA)

For those of you new to the Middle East territory, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Customs Union unites Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates into a single economic territory; so UK companies have access to all of these markets under this one Free Trade Agreement (FTA). We promised to take …

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EU customs reform

EU Customs Reform: What it means for 3rd country businesses (like GB) and how to prepare

A once-in-a-generation shake-up In May 2023, the European Commission unveiled what it called the most ambitious overhaul of EU customs rules since 1968. That’s not just policy-speak, it genuinely signals a major reset in how goods move into the EU. At its core, the EU Customs Reform is about bringing customs into the modern era. …

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What is the US Lacey Act and how do you ensure your products comply?

What is the Lacey Act? Originally enacted in 1900 and expanded through the Food, Conservation and Energy Act 2008, the Lacey Act is designed to combat the trafficking of illegally sourced wildlife, fish and plants. The 2008 amendments significantly broadened its scope by: In essence, the Act links access to the US market to the …

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Understanding the EU Draft Act on CBAM certificate reductions: What you need to know

The EU continues to refine its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) framework, introduced under Regulation (EU) 2023/956, with a new draft implementing act that focuses on how carbon pricing paid outside the EU is recognised. Published for feedback between 13th May and 10th June 2026, this draft act is a crucial piece of the CBAM …

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IMPORTANT: Potential changes to the scope of products under EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

The EUDR is no different from all EU regulation in as much as the EU Commission reserves the right to amend core regulation via means of Delegated Acts, or technical implementation guidelines. These changes are often introduced following a period of pubic or industry consultation. As of May 2026, the European Commission has issued a …

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The UK–EU Reset: A more structured, cooperative partnership

The UK–EU reset signals a deliberate move on the part of the UK Government towards a more stable and structured relationship, built around shared strategic interests and new joint commitments. The Government will say that both sides are working to turn the page on the turbulence of the immediate post‑Brexit period and establish a more …

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EU Digital Product Passports (DPPs) – what? why? when? how?

If you’ve tuned into any of GTD’s 2025 webinars you’ll have heard us mention EU Digital Product Passports (DPPs) and how they are set to transform product transparency, sustainability, and compliance across EU Member States, Northern Ireland and the EEA markets. So, what are they? Well, DPPs are a cornerstone of the EU’s Ecodesign for …

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Preparing for the forthcoming EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)

If you are a manufacturer of medical devices, machinery, children’s toys, you’ll be familiar with the UKCA and CE mark. Recently the UK Government announced that Great Britain would use the CE mark in perpetuity now, so UKCA and dual marking are no longer a requirement. However, we digress! Focussing on the CE mark for …

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) growing in prevalence within our global supply chains

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly driving the transformation of our global supply chains. AI-powered technologies like robotic process automation (RPA), machine learning (ML), and predictive analytics are helping companies automate and optimise their supply chain operations. They are helping supply chain operators to become more efficient and to drive down costs, while making supply chains …

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