The Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade has today (25 September) launched a new Imports Advisory Practice in response to rising supply chain pressures and regulatory complexity.
The new service will help UK importers to navigate new rules, master IT systems, streamline customs processes and digitise their supply chains.
The advisors in the practice will provide “objective and unbiased advice” to help businesses “manage risks and identify opportunities more efficiently”, Ilona Kawka, the advisory lead in the practice, has said.
Rapid evolution
Kevin Shakespeare, the director of advisory services at the Chartered Institute, said that the new practice was needed because of the “rapid evolution” taking place in international trade, which is making it more complex than ever to import goods, parts or materials from overseas.
“There has been significant regulatory change in both the UK and EU following Brexit, in response to net zero targets and as part of a broader effort from both to streamline customs processes for businesses.
“This comes alongside the rise in supply chain disruptions globally following the pandemic and wars in both the Middle East and Ukraine.
“This level of change requires businesses to ensure they are constantly maintaining and updating their understanding of new rules and systems in order to trade compliantly and competitively.”
He added that this is the first of multiple advisory services the Chartered Institute will be launching in the coming months.
From BTOM to digitalisation
Kawka added that the service is primarily designed for manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and food and drink businesses.
“We will be meticulously monitoring and studying regulatory changes and technical advances in import processes so that we can support businesses with up-to-date, specialist expertise,” she said.
The practice will deliver four primary services initially:
· International trade surgeries in which firms can have a two-hour phone call with Kawka and team to talk through their ongoing import challenges
· Support for applying for and making the best use of inward and outward processing procedures to streamline import costs and boost efficiency
· Advice on how to apply for and benefit from simplified customs declaration procedures
· Expert advice on how to navigate complex sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls, particularly new rules being introduced under the UK’s new Border Target Operating Model (BTOM)
10 key changes
The launch of the new practice coincides with the publication of a new report from the Chartered Institute, authored by Kawka, about 10 recent and upcoming changes importers need to know about in 2025.
The paper, which is being unveiled at a free webinar this afternoon (25 September), covers BTOM changes, new IT systems like the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) and New Computerised Transit System (NCTS), as well as new environmental requirements including the EU’s new carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM).
You can view the report here.