Classify, classify, classify

So after a decade of standing on a lone soap box harping on establishing the classification (the de minimus of international trade compliance) of both tangible and intangible items, it is finally hitting home for UK companies.

Export and Import classifications are now more prevalent than ever for UK companies. Granted we are no longer a member of the EU, we now face a mountainous climb to understand how we manage our international trade, not only with EU but also with non-EU countries.

What we understand is UK HMRC and UK DIT both want UK companies to do more in understanding their product classifications. From Import classifications under the new UK Global Tariffs to, the Export classification, REACH, etc.. UK HMRC are now asking for Country of Origin (well, it was always required, many companies have benefited from not putting anything down on this non-mandatory field). The list of metadata required is growing.

All of this results in UK companies will need to be well prepared as they will awashed with paperwork at the new Borders that will require so much more information. In my recent discussions with both Government agencies, there will more bureaucracy (inbound and outbound) and more scrutinisation (UK and EU audits).

What are the risks? The key is the UK Supply Chain slowing up resulting in dissatisfied Customers waiting for their goods. This could have wider implications, for example, contractual or increase price.

So how do UK companies prepare themselves? You guessed it, classify, classify, classify.

Our unique skills blending engineering and legal expertise puts up far ahead than those out there professing to know how to do classifications.

Talk to us!