International trade compliance can be a complex area with the introduction of new free trade agreements resulting in changing regulations between countries or territories. Companies that import or export need to comply with regulatory requirements imposed by multiple governing bodies. Failure to comply or non-compliance (whether intentional or not) can result in serious consequences such as civil or criminal penalties, as well as financial implications or sanctions.
As Shevaun Haviland, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce highlights: “Post-Brexit, the UK is still figuring out its role in the world. Both exports and inward investment are facing growing competition, but it’s a problem the British Chambers of Commerce network are well placed to solve. We know how to find the opportunities and partners all over the world and give businesses the tools to break into new markets.”
It can be increasingly challenging to stay up to date with changing rules and regulations which is why investing in proper international trade training on a regular basis can support you with maintaining compliant records with customs authorities, both in the UK and overseas.
Inverness Chamber of Commerce have been delivering International Trade services since 2014 and are proud to support businesses across the Highlands & Islands with trading overseas. After a successful revamp and expansion of our training offering in 2021, we are well placed to guide you through the world of international trade. We now offer a variety of comprehensive training packages, which are all designed and adapted to support your individual business’ requirements.
Our bespoke packages provide an understanding of key international trade topics and customs processes to provide you with the knowledge to keep trading in a compliant manner. We can help you gain an understanding of key trade and customs processes to grow your business and ensure you retain compliant records with HMRC.
Our training packages are designed to suit businesses at all levels of trading internationally, from those new to international trade to those with logistics teams shipping goods across the world. We offer varying types of training workshops, depending on what your business is looking for:
Access – This package is designed as a beginner’s guide to exporting and covers the essential steps that new importers and exporters need to take to trade overseas, as well as the paperwork required to move goods into and out of the UK.
Intermediate –Created for those ready to expand and increase their international sales in new markets. Focussing on core topics such as Incoterms 2020 and customs processes, this package will provide you with the knowledge required to maintain compliant records with HMRC.
Global – The Global training package is designed to suit established exporters or importers and is ideal for those with a team of staff dealing with international customers.
All packages can be tailored to suit your business requirements. The topics available to choose from include:
- Understanding Tariff Classification (Commodity Codes, Free Trade Agreements, Customs Duty, Duty Mitigation)
- Export Documentation and Shipping Documents
- Incoterms® 2020
- Rules of Origin
- Customs Declarations
- Trading with the EU
- Customs Special Procedures
Delivered in house by our core International Trade team, all training sessions can be held virtually online or in person at a suitable location (our premises or yours). If you are unsure about which topics to select for your training, speak to us and we can help shape a bespoke session that will suit your requirements.
We can spend more time on areas that you feel would be particularly valuable to your team and incorporate practical examples.
Given that many different departments can be impacted by compliance, from HR, sales, accounts as well as logistics, it is important to invest in international trade training to ensure all members of staff are staying on top of the ever changing requirements.
To find out more about our training packages or to book onto an upcoming workshop, please email us at international@inverness-chamber.co.uk or call the office on 01463 718 131.