Businesses and trade professionals can now turn customs compliance from being a hurdle into an opportunity thanks to a new support package from the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade.
Firms have been grappling with a range of new regulatory requirements to continue doing business with key markets, including the EU.
The new Customs Advisory Practice from the Chartered Institute will help traders to navigate these new rules and to audit and enhance their compliance processes.
‘See through the complexity’
Anna Doherty, customs practice lead at the Chartered Institute, who is also industry chair of HMRC’s Joint Customs Consultative Committee (JCCC), said the aim of the new practice is to help businesses “see through the complexity” of customs.
“Customs compliance is becoming increasingly complex at a global level, while UK and European firms have the added challenge of navigating the still ever-changing post-Brexit landscape.
“Firms that don’t have the expertise or processes in place to establish and then maintain compliance in this fluid situation could risk goods being delayed, as well as fines and penalties, and then damage to their relationships and reputation as a result.
“The new advisory practice, that I will lead, will help firms to see through the complexity of customs, turning compliance from being a challenge to being an opportunity, because businesses that demonstrate high standards in compliance stand to gain a competitive advantage in international supply chains.”
MemberCon launch
Doherty was speaking to us today at the Chartered Institute’s annual member conference, MemberCon25, at which the practice was launched.
She addressed many of the current regulatory challenges faced by businesses – including the Border Target Operating Model, post-Brexit declaration requirements and ongoing regulatory reforms in the EU.
She was speaking alongside Kevin Shakespeare, the Chartered Institute’s director of advisory services, and Daniela Turiccki, the lead of the organisation’s export controls practice.
During the panel, Doherty also referred to a new guide from the Chartered Institute, that was also launched at the conference, on the “three foundations of customs, which are classification, rules of origin and valuation”.
Suite of support
The new Customs Advisory Practice will support companies with a range of customs issues such as using the Customs Declaration Service, completing declarations and preparing for an HMRC audit.
The services the practice delivers will support businesses of all sizes and levels of trade experience.
The services include initial two-hour ‘International Trade Surgery’ calls, one-day ‘Health Checks’ and bespoke ‘strategic insights’ support.
Industry-leading expertise
Doherty is a qualified and accredited customs professional, with over 15 years’ experience in international trade, who worked in industry for a leading manufacturing retailer before joining the Chartered Institute in April 2023.
As well as being the industry chair on the JCCC – the government’s main forum for consulting industry stakeholders on customs rules and procedures – she also represents the Chartered Institute at the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement Domestic Advisory Group and the UK CBAM Joint Industry Working Group.
She represents the Chartered Institute at industry and government forums, while advising public and private sector clients on trade compliance and customs facilitations.
As well as being a leading expert on customs rules and process in the UK, including the Border Target Operating Model, she is also well-versed on emerging new regulations in the EU, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the wider EU customs reform programme.
