The UK summer is now well underway and with many people travelling abroad for their summer holidays, we must think about those who travel for work. Do they require an export declaration? Well, in some cases, yes, they would need an export declaration if they were hand-carrying goods, or even, in some cases, an export licence! Food for thought...

S&H News: 🔊 Our International Trade advisors are busy this summer travelling the length and breadth of the UK, assisting clients with external audits and benchmarking their processes in all areas of customs and export licensing controls. Currently, the most popular audits are on UK export licensing compliance, checking procedures to use preference and inward processing. When the time comes for HMRC or the ECJU to inspect your operations, you can rest assured that we will ensure your compliance, offering comprehensive support and expert guidance throughout the process.

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New Alcohol Duty Rates - Excise Tax Type Codes to be used from 1 August 2023
HMRC has published (19 July 2023) the new Alcohol Excise Tax Type codes, which must be used on import declarations from 1 August 2023. 

Understanding Export Sanction Circumvention
The imposition of sanctions is a powerful tool governments use to exert economic and political pressure on specific countries or entities. However, these measures can be subject to circumvention, where prohibited goods enter the target country through various illicit means. 
 

The Benefits of a Shipping Log for Your Business
By utilising a shipping log, you can streamline operations, improve compliance, enhance record-keeping, and strengthen overall import management processes to benefit your business.
 

UK and Turkey to Negotiate a New Trade Deal
The United Kingdom and Turkey announced on the 18th July 2023, their intention to initiate discussions for a new and modernised free trade agreement (FTA). This proposed agreement aims to replace the existing UK-Turkey deal, which needs to be updated as it solely covers goods. 

The UK has now joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
UK signs treaty to join vast Indo-Pacific trade group, as new data shows major economic benefits. Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch formally signed the treaty confirming the UK’s accession to CPTPP – the Indo-Pacific trade bloc, now worth £12 trillion in GDP – in New Zealand on 16th July 2023.
 

Alcohol Duty from 1 August 2023
The way HMRC charges excise duty on alcoholic beverages has changed from the 1st of August 2023. The new rules will apply to all alcoholic beverages, both UK-produced and imported goods. 
 

Claiming ‘Importers knowledge’ - use with caution
The world of international trade regarding claiming origin and preference has always been very complex and requires an in-depth understanding of how trade agreements work.
 

NCTS - New Computerised Transit System Phase 5
Attention all NCTS users involved in the transportation of goods using transit: It is of utmost importance that you carefully review the following critical information within this article. In the case where you are representing an NCTS user, kindly ensure prompt dissemination of this update to the relevant parties.