In 2023, HMRC reached a significant milestone by successfully migrating all CHIEF users for imports over to CDS, which was a great achievement for the trade and government, even though CDS Exports are still pending this year. Apart from CDS, international trade saw other changes during the year, including changes in government departments. DIT has now become DBT, and a new department was established to handle the ongoing sanctions set by the UK on third countries. 

These changes mirror the intricacies of international trade featured within our helpline this year, with a notable emphasis on Valuation, Northern Ireland, and CDS. Export Controls were also significant, with a strong focus on comprehending the UK's sanction regime, where goods may be subject to regulation, even if they don't fall under the controlled goods category. Additionally, HMRC brought in the advance valuation ruling service, aligning it with the advanced tariff ruling service.

Now that we have begun to navigate through 2024, several developments beckon on the horizon. The imminent implementation of CDS Exports is a known factor, but beyond that, a substantial emphasis will be placed on both import and export controls. Anticipate heightened regulations pertaining to third-country processing and the importation of specific goods, reflecting a broader regulatory landscape.

For UK exporters, a keen focus on the European Union is imperative. The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has entered its transitional period, signaling a new era of expectations for British exporters. Simultaneously, attention shifts to UK importers, as details of the United Kingdom's own Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism are poised to be unveiled later in the year, along with the upcoming changes from the UK's Border Target Operating Model.

As the intricacies of these regulations unfold, staying abreast of updates and ensuring compliance will be paramount for businesses navigating the complex landscape of international trade in 2024.

Stay updated with the most recent news and updates by exploring our Industry Insights page, and be sure to connect with us on LinkedIn!

Single Window – Early Success Indicators
In most countries, Single Window environments are implemented in programmes that are often between three and five years; it is surprisingly simple, at an early stage, to predict if the result will be impactful or not. 

Changes to the Department of International Trade
The Prime Minister has announced several new changes to the Department of International Trade that he believes will boost exports and increase inward foreign direct investment. The 'rebrand' will ensure that these aims will better align with Britain's more comprehensive business policy.

Export Control Compliance and the Impact of Brexit
With ECJU and HMRC audits increasing, we must remind ourselves that Export Control and Customs Compliance has always been here and will never go away. Still, there is much more to consider regarding the level of compliance and documentation. Not every activity is licensable, but UK Restrictions on Trade incorporate terms like Infrastructure-related, energy-related and luxury goods, which relate to specific Commodity Codes, which is another area of compliance that wouldn’t necessarily be a consideration for the pre-Brexit UK Trader in terms of their EU transactions.

What is an EUR1 form and when should it be used?
We have received many questions about EUR1 forms and their use under UK trade agreements. There seems to be confusion about which agreements permit the use of an EUR1 form as a valid document - whether an EUR1 form received from a supplier is in the correct format (as it looks a bit different from others they have seen), whether originally signed forms must be obtained, and how long must an importer keep the originals for Customs purposes. 

HMRC’s Advance Valuation Ruling Service is Live
Customs valuations are complicated, and HMRC has introduced this new service to simplify things. An Advance Valuation Ruling is optional, and traders can still import goods into the UK without one; however, having one can help ensure you pay the correct duty on the goods you import.

The UK - Australia and New Zealand Trade Agreements
These are the first two independently negotiated trade agreements since the UK left the European Union and came into force across all three countries at midnight on 31st May 2023, after the Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Act 2023 received Royal Assent in the UK on 23rd March 2023.

The Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)
On 19th June 2023, the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) replaced the UK General Scheme of Preferences (GSP).

MBE Awarded to Managing Partner Sandra Strong for her Unwavering Services to Exports
Strong & Herd were thrilled to announce that Sandra Strong, our Managing Partner, has been acknowledged for her exceptional contributions to British exporters. In recognition of her achievements, she was bestowed with the distinguished honour of an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours List. This prestigious award highlights Sandra's unwavering commitment and dedication to supporting British exporters, showcasing her invaluable service to the industry.

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.

Consolidated List of Strategic Military and Dual-Use Items Update August 2023
Notice to Exporter 2023/14 confirms that the “Consolidated List of Strategic Military and Dual-Use Items that require export authorisation” was updated on 3^rd August 2023. 

HMRC published the Final Border Target Operating Model today, August 29th, 2023
The final Border Target Operating Model sets out a new approach to security controls (applying to all imports) and sanitary and phytosanitary controls (applying to imports of live animals, animal products, plants, and plant products) at the border. It outlines how controls will be simplified and digitised, as well as our ambition for the UK’s new Single Trade Window. 

EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): What does it mean for UK Exporters?
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is an EU initiative to mitigate climate change and aims to prevent the risk of carbon leakage. It is important to note that this will affect EU and non-EU companies caught in the scope of CBAM, including exporters, importers and EU Customs representatives. 

CDS Exports – Timeline Update
On 18th December 2023, HMRC issued further communications regarding CDS Exports and requested that the information be cascaded to the trade.