A panel of UK trade’s leading experts will advise businesses on how to navigate growing uncertainty in the global economy and gain a competitive through customs expertise later this week.
MemberCon25 is the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade’s flagship event for upskilling trade and supply chain professionals, and is taking place on Thursday in Leeds (13 March).
A keynote session at the event will see the organisation’s leads in customs and export controls address how firms can deal with ongoing regulatory changes, the increase in tariff threats and new cross-border trade systems.
Customs focus
Anna Doherty MCIEx, customs practice lead, is on the panel and will address how the Chartered Institute’s new Customs Advisory Practice will “empower businesses to manage compliance and avoid penalties in order to keep your business competitive”.
“Customs regulations and requirements have been going through a period of flux in recent years due to Brexit, digitalisation, trade facilitation efforts and now the looming spectre of tariffs, among other things.
“Businesses need to be on top of these changes to ensure compliance and to remain competitive. Failing to do this can result in costly errors, shipment delays and, at worst, fines and penalties.”
‘Survive and thrive’
Doherty, who will lead the new practice and is also the industry chair of HMRC’s Joint Customs Consultative Committee, added that the businesses taking customs most seriously will be the best placed to “survive and thrive” in the coming years.
“Upskilling in customs expertise, while getting independent advice and checks to ensure best practice, will help businesses ensure compliance in the coming years.
“This will not only enable businesses to continue trading internationally during turbulent times, it will also empower businesses to thrive because you will be best placed to act quicker than your competition to make the most of the new opportunities that will inevitably arise as supply chains change.
“From making the most of free trade agreements to enter new markets, to proving high compliance standards through authorisations like AEO, there is a world of opportunity out there for businesses that have the expertise to grasp it.”
‘Specialised, tailored advice’
The Chartered Institute’s new Customs Advisory Practice is being launched at MemberCon25 and will “provide specialised, tailored advice” on customs compliance and processes through two-hour ‘trade surgery’ calls, comprehensive health checks and long-term strategic solutions.
It is third advisory practice to be launched in recent months, following practices led by Ilona Kawka MCIEx for imports and Daniela Turiccki MCIEx for export controls.
You can find out more about how the new customs practice can support you with your customs compliance needs and processes by completing this form.
