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Spring is officially in the air as we enter the month of March, and the new season has brought about a shift in the global political landscape, but unfortunately not bringing with it the positivity we usually associate when welcoming spring. It doesn't seem correct to ignore the current uncertainty affecting international trade, so let's turn this on its head and focus on the areas of the business you can control. Customs law isn't changing; external factors and players will always create turbulence; the focus must remain on compliance. In today's uncertain climate, knowledge of Customs and international trade concerning your business has never been more critical. Ensuring compliance is key, whether proceeding with due diligence in relation to a new overseas client or ensuring the company has the ability, whether in-house or outsourced, to read the Tariff correctly for export and imports or fully understand sanctions, both foreign and domestic.
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The UK’s Focus on Non-Proliferation Amid Russian Sanctions
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UK’s commitment to global security through intensified sanctions has taken centre stage. Among the UK’s key priorities is the non-proliferation (the unintentional spreading) of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and other controlled goods.
President Trump actions his initial re-election promises on tackling global trade - Protecting domestic industries is at the forefront with strategic use of Tariffs, issued in February 2025.
Changes to Ozone Depleting Substances Export Measures
On 28th February 2025, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) implemented changes on behalf of the Environment Agency to the controls on Ozone Depleting Substance(s) (ODS) as previously notified in Tariff Stop Press Notice - 27 January 2025 - UK Integrated Online Tariff. The changes have been causing some confusion, so the following guidance is intended to assist with declaration completion.
NTE 2025/04: Changes to Permitted Destinations on Four Open General Licences
The Export Control Joint Unit issued NTE 2025/04 on 26th February, confirming that four Open General Export Licences (OGELs) have been updated to remove Rwanda as a permitted destination.
2025/02: Update to Open General Export Licence JSF OGEL
OGEL for exports to support the Joint Strike Fighter has been updated to include Greece as an Export Customer. The Export Control Joint Unit has issued a Notice to Exporters 2025/02 to reflect the Open General Export Licence change that supports F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft exports.
Food Imports – What Happens at our Border?
In a recent episode of the BBC's "Countryfile," the program highlighted ongoing challenges UK importers face, particularly those dealing with food products. The episode highlighted concerns that have persisted since the UK departed from the European Union, emphasising that several issues remain unresolved at the borders, with limited solutions currently in place.
Safety and Security Guidance Update
Multiple Consignments included in one Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) in S&S GB
Update to Restrictions relating to Foot and Mouth Disease
HMRC issued updated guidance on import restrictions for products affected by the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in Germany.
The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act: Lessons from History and its Relevance Today
Is history repeating itself? Possibly the most infamous legislation in U.S. economic history was the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930. Introduced during a period of financial downturn, its sole purpose was to raise Tariff rates on imported goods. This legislation did not pass without unintended consequences, leaving scars in America's global trade and economic policies for years to come.
Export Controls in 2025: Adapting to New UK Sanctions, Emerging Risks, and Stricter Enforcement
As we step further into 2025, UK exporters are confronted with a rapidly evolving global regulatory landscape, marked by increased sanctions and emerging risks tied to technological advancements. To remain compliant and competitive, businesses must navigate this intricate web. The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU), a government department responsible for issuing export licenses and providing guidance on export controls, and the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), which enforces financial sanctions, are intensifying their enforcement efforts. Geopolitical shifts and technological progress are also reshaping the risks faced by exporters.
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