The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) and the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade have launched a new joint whitepaper designed to help aluminium businesses navigate the complexities of international trade, from customs classification and valuation to export controls, sanctions, and the incoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
The publication, titled '10 Things to Consider When Importing and Exporting Aluminium', provides practical guidance for companies of all sizes involved in global aluminium trade. It draws on insights from the Chartered Institute’s customs experts and ALFED’s trade and compliance specialists, offering clear explanations of key requirements, documentation, and risk areas affecting the aluminium supply chain.
Nadine Bloxsome, CEO of the Aluminium Federation, said:
“We’re delighted to launch this whitepaper in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade.
“As an industry, aluminium underpins so much of the UK’s low-carbon economy, but businesses continue to face complex and evolving trade rules. This guide brings together authoritative expertise to help firms cut through the noise, avoid unnecessary costs and delays, and trade with greater confidence and consistency.
“Above all, it’s about unlocking opportunity: making it simpler for UK aluminium businesses to sell, source, and grow responsibly both here and overseas.”
The whitepaper explains essential trade topics such as Incoterms, origin and valuation, and classification (including recycled and secondary aluminium products), as well as more advanced areas such as export controls, trade defence measures, US tariffs, and trading with Northern Ireland. It also outlines how upcoming policies, including CBAM and related UK regulations, will affect aluminium importers and exporters.
Anna Doherty, Customs Practice director at the Chartered Institute, said:
“This whitepaper is designed to be accessible, practical, and directly relevant to those trading aluminium and its products internationally.
“By combining the Chartered Institute’s expertise in trade and customs with ALFED’s deep understanding of the aluminium value chain, we aim to support companies in staying compliant, competitive, and ready for what’s ahead.”
The collaboration reflects ALFED’s wider mission to equip members with the knowledge, representation, and tools needed to succeed in a fast-changing global marketplace. It also builds on the work of ALFED’s Trade Committee, which continues to engage with Government and partners to address trade barriers, sanctions, and compliance challenges affecting UK aluminium businesses.
The whitepaper is now available for free download on both organisations’ websites:
About the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade
The Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade is a Royal Charter body and professional membership organisation representing and supporting the interests of everyone involved in international trade. The Chartered Institute provides training, qualifications, and guidance to help businesses of all sizes succeed in global markets and navigate the changing landscape of trade policy and regulation.
About the Aluminium Federation (ALFED)
The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) is the unified voice of the UK aluminium industry, dedicated to promoting innovation, sustainability, and growth across all sectors — from production and processing to recycling and trade. ALFED advocates for its members by engaging with policymakers, championing fair market conditions, and supporting research, training, and skills development across the aluminium value chain.
For media enquiries, please contact:
- Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade: Caroline Rowden – caroline.rowden@export.org.uk | +44 (0)1733 404400
- ALFED: Emily Foster – eFoster@alfed.org.uk | +44 (0)1789 359111
