International trade is a complex, interconnected web of bilateral and unilateral preferential trade agreements, WTO governed non-preferential trading norms, supply chains, embargoes and sanctions. Understanding this landscape is essential to trading efficiently, cost effectively, and compliantly.
Preferential trade is established via formal trade agreements between countries or blocs, offering reduced or zero tariffs on eligible imported goods; these can be both unilateral (i.e. EU’s General System of Preferences and UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme) and bilateral (i.e. UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement – TCA; EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement – CETA; etc.). Non-preferential trade is where there is no formal trade agreement in place; WTO member countries use the GATT framework to govern their trade in these scenarios.
Whilst preferential trade is arguably more stringent in terms of compliance due to the tariff benefits involved, adherence to non-preferential trade obligations is no less important from a regulatory, statistical, and policy perspective.
It can be overwhelming to navigate the global trading landscape and ensure that products seeking preferential treatment are adhering to product specific rules on origin and proof thereof. GTD works with companies to help them accurately calculate and determine the origin of their goods, locate and interpret the particular PSR within the trade agreement, and determine whether origin requirements are met.
Where goods can be classified as UK origin (or other, GTD also works with international companies), we ensure that companies are providing the correct proof of origin. Proof of origin in most recently negotiated trade agreements rely on Origin Declarations, or Statements on Origin; however, GTD has also assisted companies to achieve Approved Exporter status.
Customs problems fall broadly into three categories i.e. errors with documentation, logistics, or regulatory non-compliance. Whatever the issue, customs authorities stopping goods and/or referring to market surveillance bodies, leads to unnecessary delays, increased costs, and a less than optimum customer experience.
GTD supports companies to resolve some of these issues and more.
Most customs issues arise from inaccurate and incomplete documentation, logistics problems, and regulatory non-compliance.
GTD guides companies on the specific customs and documentation requirements their products mandate, establishing blueprints to efficient trade and avoidance of customs delays.
International trade is a complex, interconnected web of bilateral and unilateral preferential trade agreements, WTO governed non-preferential trading norms, supply chains, embargoes and sanctions. Understanding this landscape is essential to trading efficiently, cost effectively, and compliantly. GTD helps UK and international companies navigate this complex landscape.
Correct classification of products is an essential part of customs compliance and no more so than in the case of controlled goods or those with additional requirements placed upon them i.e. the tariff code and destination will dictate whether an export license or certification is a prerequisite to trade.
GTD helps UK companies navigate sanctions lists and understand the kind of documentation needed.
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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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