September International Briefing
TRADE
The Border Target Operating Model (BTOM)
The final Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) sets out a new approach to security controls (applying to all imports), and sanitary and phytosanitary controls (applying to imports of live animals, animal products, plants and plants products) at the border.
BTOM risk categories for the rest of the world Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) imports have been published
From 30 April 2024 onwards, the controls for imports to GB from all third countries will shift away from the inherited EU model to the BTOM’s risk-based and targeted approach. This shift will represent a material change in how commodities are exported to GB from certain countries with several positive outcomes for GB importers, most prominently a reduction in cost and time to bring goods into GB. For non-EU animals and animal products, the risk categorisation is available here. For non-EU plants and plant products the risk categorisation is available here.
Expression of Interest: Accredited Trusted Trader Scheme (ATTS) Pilots
The proposed ATTS is a scheme aimed towards frequent importers of ‘medium risk’ Products of Animal Origin (POAO) and Animal By-Products (ABP) from the European Union (EU) and the Rest of World (RoW). ATTS has been designed with a modular framework which will provide businesses with flexibility and choice in how they engage with the Trusted Trader approach. Businesses will be able to build a package of facilitations that aligns with their specific operational needs rather than needing to engage with a one-size-fits-all solution. Each module will be piloted as a first step to determine if the module will be included as part of the scheme indefinitely. The Expression of Interest will be open from 11th September 2023 to the 6th October 2023. Find out how to apply for the Accredited Trusted Trader Scheme pilot and the eligibility criteria your business must meet.
Extended Producer Responsibility deferred
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has recently announced the deferral of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging payments.
UK joins Horizon Europe under a new bespoke deal
UK scientists will have access to the world’s largest research collaboration programme. Horizon Europe will give UK companies and research institutions opportunities to lead global work to develop new technologies and research projects, in areas from health to AI. This will not only open up cooperation with the EU, but also Norway, New Zealand and Israel which are part of the programme and countries like Korea and Canada which are looking to join too.
Electronic Trade Documents Bill
A new law allowing shipping containers to be traded using digital documents, not paper ones, has been created after the Electronic Trade Documents Act received Royal Assent. The simple yet impactful change is estimated to add over £1 billion to the British economy over the next decade by making trade more straightforward, efficient and sustainable.
Indefinite Retention of CE Mark
The government intends to extend recognition of the CE marking for placing most goods on the market in Great Britain, indefinitely, beyond December 2024. These updates apply to the 18 regulations that fall under the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
A new scheme supporting trade between GB and NI
The Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS), which will facilitate the flow of trade between GB and NI, will roll out from 1 October.
Under the scheme, qualifying goods will not require supporting documentation approved by official vet or plant health inspectors to be moved to Northern Ireland. Food and farming businesses that are selling or facilitating the movement of pre-packaged food for final consumption in Northern Ireland can benefit.
Fruit, vegetables, including ware potatoes, cut flowers and foliage can be moved through the new scheme. However, plants, plants for planting - including seed for planting - such as pot plants, bulbs and tubers, are not eligible to be moved through NIRMS.
These products will move from Great Britain to Northern Ireland using a Northern Ireland Plant Health Label. From 1 October, under NIRMS, the level of visual identification checks at borders will be reduced. Check on consignments will be reduced to 10% from the launch of the new scheme, before being lowered to 8% in October 2024 and reduced further to 5% in July 2025.
GLOBAL TRADE
UK-Singapore new strategic partnership
Following the Strategic Partnership, UK and Singapore will work to conclude a new and modern bilateral investment treaty – the first the UK has negotiated since we left the EU. This will give Singaporean companies more confidence to invest in the UK and vice-versa, creating jobs and growing our economies. Singapore is one of the UK’s closest and most dynamic partners in the region, with our £21 billion trade relationship accounting for 40% of our total trade with Southeast Asia.
Unlocking Uzbekistan’s Trade and Business Potential
Uzbekistan, situated at the heart of Central Asia, boasts a diverse economy and a young population. With its historical ties to the ancient Silk Road, the country has a rich cultural heritage shaped by various ethnic groups over thousands of years. Today, Uzbekistan is the second largest economy in Central Asia and is striving to achieve upper-middle income status by 2030. Read more about the potential trade and business opportunities here
Export Opportunities
Find out about the latest export opportunities available in Uzbekistan, South East Asia, North America and Middle East.
Events
BCC Global Trade Month: UAE Spotlight
📅 Thursday 21st September
11:30 (UK Time)
Virtual
Gain insights into the abundance of business opportunities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Bilateral trade between the UK and UAE is worth more than £21bn per year and our investment links have never been stronger. Hear more about a large consumer base, popular trade lanes, and a shifting transformation to a forward-thinking and visionary population, that make the UAE a hugely interesting market to do business in.
3rd Arab British Economic Summit (ABES) 2023
📅 Monday 20th November
08.30 - 18:00 (UK Time)
Hilton London Metropole
Organised by the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, ABES offers a unique occasion for investors, company executives and decision makers to meet, exchange ideas and do business.
UK Business Delegation to Cop28
📅 4th – 7th December
Dubai, United Arab Emirate
British Chamber of Commerce Abu Dhabi hosts UK business delegation to COP28
BCC Global Business Network and British Chamber of Commerce Abu Dhabi COP28 Prospective Program
- Unique high-profile BCC events
- Access to COP 28 selection of events
- Facilitation of B2B and delegation2delegation meetings for interested delegates
- Networking opportunities including engaging with local based companies and other international business councils across Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Complimentary or discounted access to other side events such as the Climate Action Innovation Zone meetings
- Access to Green Zone and some events in the Blue Zone
About the author
Suffolk Chamber