An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows you to temporarily import and export goods without paying duties, taxes, or import/export fees in participating countries. It’s basically a “passport for goods.”
It’s valid for up to a year and works in about 85 countries. As long as you bring the items back home within that time, you don’t have to deal with customs fees in each country.
As of April 2025, ATA Carnets are accepted in over 85 countries and territories worldwide, with more expected to join as agreements are being negotiated.
Contact us for individual Country regulations:
The Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is a new customs initiative implemented by the European Union, aimed at enhancing the security and safety of goods entering the EU. For shippers, adherence to ICS2 is crucial to ensure compliance and smooth shipping operations. Here’s a detailed guide and advice for shippers operating under the ICS2 framework.
The UK government has announced significant updates to the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) that will take effect In April 2025.
The new rate of PPT could be around £223.69 per tonne and will apply to plastic packaging containing less than 30% recycled plastic that is manufactured and imported into the UK
The change is aimed at addressing the growing concern over plastic waste and its environmental impact. Importers of plastic packaging to the UK must prepare for updated rates and compliance requirements under this revised framework.
The update to the Plastic Packaging Tax marks a significant step towards sustainability and environmental responsibility in the UK. Importers of plastic packaging will need to act promptly to adapt to the new regulations set to take effect in April 2025. Staying informed and proactive will be key in navigating these changes successfully.
For the latest information, guidance documents, and updates regarding the Plastic Packaging Tax, importers should regularly consult the HMRC website and official government resources.
The latest changes in US import tariffs—including a 25% tariff on steel and 10% on aluminum—are set to have significant effects on UK businesses trading with the United States. These measures will impact both exports to the U.S. and imports from the U.S., affecting supply chains and pricing structures.
Affected The new tariffs will make UK steel and aluminium exports to the U.S. more expensive, putting pressure on industries such as automotive, construction, and aerospace. Businesses reliant on these materials may need to explore alternative routes or suppliers to mitigate costs.
While current tariffs target metals, there is concern that the U.S. may extend them to other UK exports such as machinery, food products, or manufactured goods. Reviewing supply contracts and logistics strategies is advisable.
Should the UK introduce retaliatory tariffs, products imported from the U.S.—such as machinery, agricultural goods, and technology—could see price increases. Businesses relying on U.S. imports may need to assess cost implications and seek alternative sourcing options.
With increased uncertainty in trade negotiations, logistics delays and cost fluctuations are possible. Flexible shipping solutions can help safeguard supply chain resilience.
The UK government is engaging in discussions to secure trade exemptions and protect British exporters. However, businesses should proactively prepare by diversifying supply sources and adjusting logistics plans to accommodate potential delays or cost increases.
Starting April 30, 2025, the UK government will implement full border controls on EU imports, including all sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) goods. This change will impact businesses across the UK, as it introduces new documentation requirements, customs procedures, and potential delays at the border. To ensure your supply chain runs smoothly, it’s crucial to prepare for these upcoming changes. Here’s what you need to know:
With the introduction of full border controls, businesses will need to provide detailed documentation for their imports. For SPS goods—such as food, plants, and animals—this includes:
Make sure that all necessary paperwork is ready and accurate before your goods reach the UK border to avoid delays or potential fines. It’s advisable to work closely with suppliers and customs brokers to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
The introduction of more thorough checks at UK borders means that customs clearance may take longer than before. The increased scrutiny of imports, especially SPS goods, will likely result in delays as goods undergo more detailed inspections.
To minimize the impact on your operations, plan for longer lead times in your supply chain and keep customers informed about potential delays. You may also want to explore options for customs pre-clearance or use trusted traders to expedite the process where possible.
To stay ahead of the curve, take the following actions to adapt your supply chain:
Communicate with suppliers and partners: Ensure that all parties involved in the supply chain, including freight forwarders and customs brokers, are aware of the upcoming changes. This may involve updating contracts or agreements to reflect new responsibilities for documentation and compliance.
Invest in new systems or processes: You may need to invest in new systems or software to handle the increased volume of documentation and ensure compliance with new customs regulations.
Conduct a supply chain audit: Review your current import and export processes to identify potential bottlenecks or areas where delays might occur. Work with your logistics teams to develop solutions.
Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) goods—such as food, plants, and animal products—will face even stricter checks under the new border controls. These products will require:
This means that businesses importing SPS goods must ensure their products are fully compliant with these requirements, which may include updating their sourcing practices or adjusting shipping procedures.
With the UK’s implementation of full border controls on EU imports set for April 30, 2025, businesses need to act now to avoid disruptions to their supply chains. By preparing for additional documentation requirements, customs delays, and stricter SPS regulations, you can minimize the impact of these changes and ensure smooth operations. The key to success is early preparation, clear communication with your supply chain partners, and staying informed about regulatory updates.
Prepare today to stay ahead of the curve and avoid costly disruptions in the future!
We understand how important it is to stay informed about the latest customs regulations and tariff classifications. The UK Integrated Online Tariff, provided by HMRC, is a crucial tool for businesses involved in importing and exporting goods. It helps determine commodity codes, duty rates, and trade regulations for goods moving in and out of the UK.
For the latest updates, guidance, and access to tariff search tools, please refer directly to HMRC’s Trade Tariff News Bulletin:
Trade Tariff News Bulletin – HMRC
UK Integrated Online Tariff – HMRC
Stay up to date with classification changes, duty updates, and trade policy developments to ensure smooth and compliant shipments.
International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX)
Update 16/12/2024.
The ongoing labour discussions between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) continue with negotiations still unresolved there is a potential for strikes to begin as early as mid-January.
Our team is proactively working to mitigate potential disruptions by:
We’re here to help you navigate this evolving situation and ensure your supply chain remains as resilient as possible. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss your concerns or planning strategies.
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Please find link to new client package we need completed in order to perform Customs business on your behalf. Our team is looking forward to working with you!
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