With new trading rules coming into force from January 1 2021 as the UK leaves the customs union and the single market, there is no better time to brush up your knowledge and train your staff in international trade.
Businesses with global trading interests can gain an accredited Foundation Award in International Trade with the South and Mid Wales Chambers of Commerce.
The Foundation Award in International Trade is a nationally recognised qualification which equips businesses with a highly skilled workforce ready to take on international markets. Funding for the award, which is achieved by passing a number of training modules accredited by the British Chamber of Commerce, is available in full from the UK Government or can be partly funded by the Welsh Government.
Since lockdown measures were implemented earlier this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the South and Mid Wales Chambers of Commerce have adapted their practices and created live online training courses to support the learning and growth of businesses who trade or intend to trade globally.
Organised by Jo Price, the Chamber’s Director of International Trade, the online courses cover topics such as understanding exporting, Incoterms rules and export documentation.
Further to providing accredited training, the Chamber is making further improvements to its international trade services from September 1.
To provide businesses with a quicker, more reliable service, an online platform will be available for electronic documents, reducing the risk of postal delays or lost documents. Where wet signatures are required on documentation, the Chamber will continue to apply pressure via the British Chambers by direct lobbying of those countries who still require it.
Customs Broker Services will also be introduced from September ahead of changes to the way the UK trades with the EU. From January 1 2021, tariffs will be applied to imports and full export entries will be required for products traded between the UK and the EU.
The Chamber’s exclusive Customs Broker Services will ensure accuracy, compliance and reduced risks to businesses. The services will enable businesses to move goods through all ports of the UK. Should a port close for any reason, the Chamber will be able to clear a business’ consignment through another port. Currently, the Chamber is the only Customs Broker able to do this in the UK.
If you have queries about online international training, or would like to discuss how to prepare for the new way of trading with the EU and how the Chamber can assist with this, please get in touch with the International team via international@southwaleschamber.co.uk
