Regulatory compliance in overseas trade is non-negotiable for any business operating across borders. It is the backbone of lawful, efficient, and risk-managed international commerce. 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.
Companies approach GTD because they prioritise continued market access and growth; risk mitigation; customer trust and brand reputation; operational efficiency; and obtaining strategic advantage in their target markets. All these objectives are met by a thorough understanding of what regulation exists where and for which products, together with a comprehensive approach to product compliance.
However, regulation can be complex and extensive; hundreds of pages of technical and legal verbiage can be overwhelming and can lead many companies to avoid particular markets or conversely wander blindly into non-compliance.
Global regulation falls broadly into seven categories:
GTD provides practical advice on all of the above; we are renown for breaking down complex regulation into practical, compliance activities that are achievable for businesses so that they can begin or resume trade in the shortest possible time frame.
We have cultivated a small, trusted network of associates that can also assist our clients with next level support in the areas of local tax and law. Overwhelmingly, the areas we are renown for are those that keep business owners awake at night, namely: product safety, sustainability, sector specific legislation, consumer protection, and market surveillance.
Companies approach GTD because they prioritise continued market access and growth; risk mitigation; customer trust and brand reputation; operational efficiency; and obtaining strategic advantage in their target markets. All these objectives are met by a thorough understanding of what regulation exists where and for which products, together with a comprehensive approach to product compliance.
GTD has EU and global sustainability regulation mapped out to 2040 and regularly 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.
Working with GTD you have peace of mind that you 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.
It is the nature of your product, its export market, and the applicable regulation that dictates the level of adaptation in will need to be able to be legally placed on the local market.
GTD works with companies to help them navigate the applicable regulation and the impacts that has on its design, manufacturing, labelling, packaging, and so on.
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.
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 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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