International

What’s New This month in International Trade

If you own a UK company and need to trade to the EU, you could be going through some difficulties with the new rules since the Brexit transition ended. Even big companies such as John Lewis and Marks and Spencer are suspending certain services to the EU due to problems with customs and some EU customers have been hit with charges when buying from the UK. So, here’s a guide that will tell you everything you need to know about how to go about importing and exporting goods in and out of the UK. 1. Obtain an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number. 2. Check what import licences or certificates you may need depending on the goods exported such as food, livestock, products etc. 3. Decide whether you will be responsible for your own declarations or whether you will use a Customs Intermediary (CI) to complete the declarations for you 4. If you do decide to complete the declarations yourself then you will have to train a member of staff on how to complete the declarations and will probably need to purchase specialist software as well. The business will need to register to use the National Export System (NES).

An export declaration must be completed before export, using NES which provides a unique reference number (URN). You will also need to apply for a CHIEF Badge. CHIEF stands for Customs Handling of

Import and Export Freight and is the computerised entry processing system. This will be replaced with a new system, the Customs

Declaration Service (CDS), within the next two years. 5. Exporting procedures - these depend on the various processes which are outlined below: 6. Standard Export procedures: the export declaration URN is required to allow the goods to cross the border. The business must make sure that the EU importer has done everything needed, including having an EU

EORI, with the right licences and certificates and completing a correct import declaration. 7. Transit: this can be used when goods are moving across several territories or if the business wants to complete customs procedures away from the border. The business or the CI can apply for 'authorised consignor' status, which allows the goods to start movement (and move in to Transit) from an authorised location belonging to the CI or business and not the designated Office of Departure (OD). 8. If completing its own declarations, the business needs to register for the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS). A guarantee must be provided before the movement of goods can start which should be arranged with a bank or financial institution and must be authorised by HMRC. Before export, as well as an export declaration, a Transit declaration must be completed on NCTS. This provides another URN. Invoicing Specific origin wording should be shown on invoices. This is essential for your business because the origin statement (along with HS code information) determines the amount of duties and taxes you’ll have to pay for all your imports into the UK or exports to the EU. Your invoice should clearly state: • The origin of each product (please refer to the www.gov.uk website for detailed guidance on the rules of origin) • A statement at the bottom of your invoice which reads: The exporter of the products covered by this document (insert EORI No.) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of (insert) preferential origin. …………………………………............(Insert place and date) …………………………………........... (Insert name of the exporter) Where your invoice covers a mix of goods of UK, EU or other third country origins, the statement will apply only to the UK/EU origin goods. If your invoice contains no goods of UK or EU origin, the statement can be omitted.

It is the responsibility of your business to ensure invoices contain all necessary detail to ensure accurate and timely export and import declarations can be made and to avoid unnecessary duties and taxes to your business or your customers.

VAT With Brexit, VAT procedures have changed considerably, so make sure your accountants are fully up to date with the new procedures.

Businesses that import goods would normally have to pay import VAT on arrival before those goods can be released from the port. However, HMRC has agreed that this import VAT can be paid as part of the normal quarterly VAT return under the Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) system.

The importer doesn’t have to use PVA, but it helps with cash flow if they do. To receive statements from HMRC on the amount of import VAT that has been postponed, and which needs to be reported on the VAT return, the trader also needs to register for the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).

Goods leaving the UK for the EU were called 'removals' but will now be called 'exports'. If certain conditions are met, the export of goods can be zero-rated for VAT purposes but records must be kept in order to prove this. The conditions are: • Official or commercial evidence (for example from a customs system or certificates of shipment) to prove the entitlement to zero-rating. • The goods must be exported from the UK (and evidence obtained) within either three or six months depending on what types of goods are exported. If the conditions are not met, or there is not sufficient evidence, then the supply will be treated as standard rated. Zero-rated supplies must still be accounted for even though there is no VAT liability. There will no longer be any requirement to adhere to distance selling regulations and there will no longer be a requirement to verify the VAT status of the recipient.

If you’re importing goods from the UK to the EU and delivering on duty paid (DDP) terms, then local EU VAT advice must be sought. If you need support with understanding and implementing the export and import processes and procedures, please contact international@dorsetchamber.co.uk

Important Information for Hauliers

Exporting goods from the EU through Ro Ro Ports: I am a GB haulier – what do I need to know about the documents I need to carry or present when transporting goods out of the EU into GB? At the EU Border the haulier should have one or more of the following: • An Export Accompanying Document (EAD) which has a Movement Reference Number (MRN) generated – this may also contain the data for the safety and security declaration. • For transit movements a Transit

Accompanying Document (TAD) that has been activated in the NCTS system to provide a Movement Reference Number (MRN) - for transit, the paper document (including a list of items) must accompany the consignment(s). • If there is no customs declaration with the safety and security data included, there is a requirement to confirm that a separate Exit

Summary Declaration has been lodged into the Member State Export Control System (ECS). For some goods, for example goods below a certain value, no EAD is required but it might still be needed to enter the EU ferry terminal and may lead to more problems at the border than completing an EAD. The more automated the terminal the more likely that will be. Other Certificates and Licences: It is best practice for the driver to have hard copies of any certificates or licences required for the goods being imported to the EU, e.g. an original / wet signed Export Health Certificate. The haulier should check for additional entry requirements that may be required for the EU member state, e.g. a COVID-19 test from the past 72 hours to enter France. Unaccompanied Freight For unaccompanied freight where the goods are handed from one transporter to another, the MRN and any unique consignment or transport reference numbers must be shared. The carrier (ferry operator) notifies the customs office about the exit of the goods unless that information has been provided through a port or transport community system.

GB traders and GB hauliers may require EU Economic Operator’s Registration and Identification (EORI) numbers. Why? A GB exporter / GB haulier who is not established in the customs territory of the Union may need an EU EORI in the following circumstances: • to lodge a customs declaration in the customs territory of the EU • to submit an EU Entry Summary declaration into that Member State’s Import Control

System (ICS) • to lodge a temporary storage declaration in the customs territory of the EU • to act as a carrier for the purposes of transport by sea, inland waterway or air • to act as a carrier who is connected to the customs system and wishes to receive any of the notifications provided for in the customs legislation regarding the lodging or amendment of an Entry Summary declaration. When can I apply for an EU EORI number? The European Commission has recently published guidance: “Customs authorities of the Member States should accept requests already before the end of the transition period and assign to them EORI numbers with the date following the date of the end of the transition period or thereafter as the ‘start day of EORI number’, according to the requests of the persons concerned.”

Applications from GB businesses for an EU EORI number can be submitted in advance of 1 Jan 2021 to some Member States. The EU EORI number will be assigned – where their IT systems allow – the pre-allocation of that number before the end of the transition period. However pre-allocated EORI numbers will not be activated until the day following the date of the end of the transition period or the “start day of the EORI number” if a later date is requested.

However, some Member States’ IT systems are unable to pre-allocate EU EORI numbers to GB traders and hauliers, but they are able to accept applications in advance and will officially allocate the EORI number on the day of the end of the transition period. A GB business can apply for an EORI number from customs authorities across the EU.

Dorset Chamber’s expert International Trade team can support your business through its range of services, training and support.

Please visit www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/ international-trade/our-services/ for more information.

Advantages if the UK Joins Pacific Free Trade Deal Area - CPTPP

Joining the CPTPP would deepen the UK’s access to fast-growing markets and major economies, including Mexico, Malaysia and Vietnam, for the benefit of UK business. Joining the £9 trillion partnership will cut tariffs for UK industries including food and drink, and cars, while also creating new opportunities for modern industries like tech and services, ultimately supporting and creating high-value jobs across the UK. Unlike EU membership, joining does not require the UK to cede control over our laws, borders, or money.

UK trade with the group was worth £111 billion in 2019, growing by 8% a year since 2016. Benefits that CPTPP membership will bring for businesses include:

Modern digital trade rules that allow data to flow freely between members, remove unnecessary barriers for businesses, and protect commercial source code and encryption.

Eliminating tariffs quicker on UK exports including whisky (down from 165% to 0% in Malaysia) and cars (reducing to 0% in Canada by 2022, two years earlier than through the UK-Canada trade deal).

Rules of Origin that allow content from any country within CPTPP to count as ‘originating’. For example, this would mean that cars made in the UK could use more Japanese-originating car parts, such as batteries.

Easier travel for business people between CPTPP countries, such as the potential for faster and cheaper visas.

Dorset Chamber welcomes our New Members

#GetBusinessDone

Candour Facilities Management Limited

First Floor Pintail House, Duck Island Lane, Ringwood, BH24 3AA 07766 397605 www.candourfm.com Here to help you manage your Property Portfolio. Specialists in all aspects of Facilities, Workplace, Property, Programme and Project Management.

Jurassic HR and Training Consultancy

11 Hetherly Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 5JN 07873 874478 www.jurassichr.com Andy is CIPD qualified and works at a senior level with organisations of all sizes, ranging from start-up’s to established corporate entities.

Talk Think Do

20 West Borough, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1NF 01202 375647 www.talkthinkdo.com We are a software company that specialises in providing tech for growth. Our highly experienced team work at board level to help identify the ideal tech strategy. Our development team then rapidly deploy solutions - as a Microsoft Gold Partner we specialise in building innovative solutions using Microsoft Azure. We also offer 24x7 support and proactive system and security monitoring.

CryoShower

Herston Cross House, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2PQ cryoshower.co.uk 07532 889488 Therapeutic cold therapy which is data led and technology driven for pain & muscle management, health & wellness, weight loss and mental health

Rifu UK Ltd

Wilson House, 2 Lorne Park Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1JN 01202 923222 www.rifu.com With our revolutionary platform, you can support the local products and services you trust, help strengthen connections within your area and get rewarded in the process. Search the marketplace for products and services to share, or, if your favourite local business isn’t yet part of the Rifu community, help them to become a member with a simple click.

Total Guide to Poole

Hamworthy, Poole, BH15 4NB 07814 080119 www.totalguidetopoole.com Total Guide to Poole is the seventh TGt location to go live since 2012. The diverse and agile online marketing platform bridges the gap between businesses, tourists and the local community; 'helping businesses succeed, people thrive and places to come alive'

Dorset Media

10A Arena Business Centre, Nimrod Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH21 7UH 01202 862322 www.dorset-media.com Locally based Dorset Media are leading the way to help local people support local businesses.

We promote local businesses across the South in our partner venues which include, the new Wimborne Town F.C, Poole Town F.C, Christchurch F.C, Parley Golf Club, Wareham Golf Club and many more stretching as far as Torquay United.

South Coast Virtual Tours

Highcliffe Mews, Lymington Road, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 5EG 01425 333161 www.southcoastvirtualtours. co.uk Showcasing your business with high quality commercial photography and 360° interactive virtual tours. Over 25 years professional experience.

Touchstone Training Ltd

Fountain Court, 19 Durley Gardens, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5HZ 07903 438381 www.touchstonetraining.co.uk We work with public and private sector bodies, supporting leaders by developing their skills to lead their organisations. Specialising in; vison and values, strategy and tactics & change and development. Achieved through; individual and team coaching/supervision & Facilitating meetings/conferences/ events.

Farrow & Ball

Uddens Trading Estate, Wimborne Rd W, Wimborne BH21 7NL 01202 890905 www.farrow-ball.com Wimborne based British manufacturer of paints and wallpapers largely based upon historic colour palettes and archives. Their colour names, such as Elephant's Breath, have become talking points in themselves.

The Crop

6 Rosebery Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH5 2JH 07575 358644 www.thecrop.co The Crop helps businesses to seed, cultivate and grow their brand, with agile teams of creative experts.

Universal Maintenance Contracts Limited

54 Cobham Road, Ferndown Industrial Estate, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7QQ 01202 891772 www.umc-ac.com umc are the south coast’s awardwinning premier air-conditioning company, offering the installation, maintenance and repair of all types of air-conditioning units and dehumidifiers.

Delivering superior products at a competitive rate, incorporating the latest technology, we are environmentally aware and have recently changed the refrigerant we use, reducing our Carbon Footprint. Please contact us for a free no obligation consultation.

New ‘GU6’ Initiative to Support Dorset’s Business Leaders Launches

Dorset Chamber is proud to announce the launch of a new initiative to help build the resilience of business leaders in what is potentially the most challenging business climate of our time. The project has been named ‘Got your 6’ (or GU6) after the term originating from WW2, where fighter pilots of the US Navy or Air Force would watch the ‘backs’ of fellow pilots in formation at the vulnerable rear ‘six o’clock’ position. Dorset Chamber ‘has the backs’ of our business leaders hence the initiative will offer personal and confidential support to employers who may be finding stress levels too much to cope with.

Liz Willingham, who has championed mental health throughout her time as Dorset Chamber President, has taken the lead on the project. It is supported by OuchTT, which has donated free MHFA (mental health first aid) online training, Dorset Mind who is providing Peer Support Skills Training, and Livewell Dorset.

Business leaders from the Chamber board and ambassadors and across the membership have come forward to volunteer their time to the initiative and take up the training so they can confidently be at the end of the line to help their peers who need someone to talk to. Our GU6 Champions understand the pressures of running a business, that making difficult decisions which may affect others has significant stress associated with it.

They will be able to offer crucial peer support to fellow members, as well as signpost to further help where needed.

Liz said: “The WW2 clock reference in Got Your 6 is a good analogy as we know many are in the so-called ‘3am Club’ where businesspeople lie awake worrying about their businesses at all hours of the night. Our aim is to support business leaders in the Chamber network (and potentially beyond) with a neutral, non-commercially driven, confidential non-judgmental hub where they can talk and share anxieties to help them feel some relief, clarity and control over issues that may be affecting them. Ultimately the aim is to build resilience in our business community and enable our leaders to thrive.

“Dorset Chamber is an approachable environment and a fitting safehouse for this initiative, particularly at such a pressured time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health in the workplace has become higher on the agenda for most businesses in the run up to 2020. As we head into a second year of life in a pandemic, we are threatened by a crisis of increasing mental health problems. I have seen no resource that focuses support on those who actually head up businesses – I believe if the leader is in a good place, the rest of the organisation will naturally follow.”

To hear more about GU6, how you can become a Champion, and importantly how business leaders in our community can access this important support hub, please join the next Business Leader event on 18th March. Liz will give a short presentation before the main event with Paul Kinkaid, which is fittingly on his Forensic Leadership Theory and philosophy that great leadership comes from a position of care. Register online at dorsetchamber.co.uk/events/ or contact Liz directly liz.willingham@lizleanpr.co.uk.

Digital Marketing and News Service joins Chamber

Digital marketing and digital news brand Total Guide to has become a member of Dorset Chamber.

Total Guide to Poole was launched just over a year ago by the founder of the Total Guide to brand Liz Hutchings – however Total Guide to has platforms around the UK offering a community and news feel to companies eager to be seen and heard locally – or further afield.

Liz Hutchings said: “I moved to Poole with my family and realised there was a gap here for a heart-centred community-led digital news platform. After launching our Poole site and seeing how well received we have been by businesses in the area, the next obvious step was to join this key business community serving Dorset.

“We hope to get to know fellow members, offer them digital marketing opportunities as well as editorial opportunities online so that all of our businesses can thrive and grow.”

TGt is a franchise business established by Liz back in 2012 with its parent site in Swindon, Wiltshire and it also now has platforms in Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Reading and Manchester with more franchisees being considered for other cities and large towns nationwide. Liz is also a Qualified Franchise Professional and is experienced at operating ethically in the franchise world.

Steve Bulley, head of business engagement for Dorset Chamber said: “The Chamber has around 650 members from start-ups right up to a brand like Sunseeker. Our aim is always to grow business for our members and to ensure that as much spend as possible is kept in the county.

“Last year we launched our #getbusinessdone campaign with the aim of encouraging our members to take a positive approach to developing new ways of working and opportunities.”

To support #getbusinessdone during its first year of Chamber membership, Liz Hutchings will be offering fellow Chamber members interested in digital exposure and visibility, a 50 per cent discount on its regular digital packages, plus keen prices on our graphic design, video and social media services.

Liz said: “We are still facing the most challenging economic time since the Second World War, for that reason supporting fellow members in this way – allowing them to thrive will be beneficial for us all so that we can come out of this pandemic as healthily and hopefully as possible.” www.totalguidetopoole.com

Businesses Start the Year by Joining Dorset Chamber

In January 2021 Dorset Chamber saw 18 new companies from a variety of sectors and backgrounds join hundreds of other member businesses in Dorset to become new Members of the Chamber, through a mix of our Digital, Essential, Corporate and Premium membership packages.

Steve Bulley, Head of Membership, said: “Since changing our annual membership offer and costs to reflect the current needs of businesses during these changing times, we have seen increased uptake across all our packages. We are finding new members are able to match the different benefit levels to their individual requirements. The tailored approach not only affords organisations the flexibility to do this, but also provides best value. We have always prided ourselves on providing an arena for a diverse range of businesses to engage with the Chamber and with each other, and the new packages certainly encourage this.”

January’s new members: The HR Team South Coast LTD; Focal Point Fire; UK Printed Mugs; Newburgh Networks Limited; Nauticool Ltd; Signature Office Support; Pure Milk Vodka Ltd; International Push to Talk Ltd; Verace Business Assistance; Dorset Media; Universal Maintenance Contracts Limited; South Coast Virtual Tours; Floodmate; Jurassic Coast Ventures Ltd; On The Spot Accountants; Total Guide to Poole; The Crop; and Talk Think Do.

Annual Membership rates are (all price plus VAT): £120 Digital Membership; £225 Charities Membership; £245 Essential Membership; £395 Corporate Membership; £645 Premium Membership; £995 Elite Membership; £2,200 Diamond Membership. There are also International Trade Services Only Memberships (£316, £516, £796 and £1776) for business seeking different levels of export / import support only.

To find the best value package for your business based on the cover provided, see our Membership Rates Page in this month’s magazine, or contact steve.bulley@ dorsetchamber.co.uk