A busy week of member events offers support for traders based in Wales, as the second Wales Member Forum takes place online today (11 February). Tackling challenges specific to the devolved nations, traders can get insights on tackling trade challenges from peers while getting expert intel on best practice.
There is also exclusive advice on data collection and compliance ahead of the EU’s introduction of a Digital Product Passport (DPP) for physical goods, with the first of two Lunchtime Learning sessions on the legislation being held this week.
DPP
The EU’s new DPP initiative is going to be a game-changer for businesses that trade with Europe.
Set to launch next year, DPPs will be new digital records tracking detailed information about goods, their components and their manufacture. However, businesses’ understanding of the new requirements is low, with 86% of those attending a recent public webinar from the Chartered Institute saying that they had little-to-no awareness of the changes.
That’s why the Chartered Institute is holding two follow-up Lunchtime Learnings for our members this month, to help you get to grips with what DPP will mean for your business.
“Two thirds of the delegates at our recent webinar said they were concerned about the complexity of the new requirements, with 19% saying they were worried about the costs of compliance,” said Will Barns-Graham, the Chartered Institute’s executive editor, who hosted last month’s public webinar.
“It’s for this reason that we decided to run two further Lunchtime Learning sessions for our members on DPP, helping you to navigate this complexity – particularly around new supply chain reporting requirements.”
The first of these two sessions is on Thursday (13 February) and addresses how to collect accurate data from across the supply chain to ensure DPP compliance.
This will be followed by a session next week on Thursday 20 February, covering how to ensure compliance with sustainability regulations throughout a product’s life cycle.
Both sessions will be led by Ilona Kawka, our Imports Advisory Practice lead.
Wales Member Forum
Today (11 February) is also the Chartered Institute’s second Wales Member Forum – a dedicated platform where international trade professionals can come together to support each other, navigate the nuances of trading within Wales and influence the future of the profession.
Launched in October 2024 as part of our broader Devolved Nation Forums initiative, this forum provides members in Wales with a specialist space to connect, collaborate and grow professionally.
Why join?
We know that each devolved nation has its own trade regulations, economic priorities, and challenges. The forum connects professionals who understand the specific challenges and opportunities of working in Wales.
Our forum ensures that members in Wales can engage in discussions relevant to their market, covering topics such as local legislation, customs processes and regional trade strategies.
Events and resources
Members of the Wales Member Forum benefit from exclusive events, insights and access to key stakeholders in Welsh trade and policy. Whether it's a roundtable discussion with industry leaders or a workshop on trade compliance, these events provide actionable takeaways to enhance your professional impact.
Devolved nations initiative
The Wales Member Forum is part of a wider effort to support members across Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, ensuring that professionals in devolved nations have a voice, a community and a place to share knowledge.
Each forum is designed to reflect the distinct economic, regulatory and political landscapes of its respective nation, helping members thrive in their unique environments.
You can learn more about our devolved nation forums here and sign up to upcoming sessions taking place in your region.
