International Trade

For more information please email internationaltrade@cambscci.co.uk

Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce offer a range of services to help companies maintain their competitive edge in the international marketplace

Overseas markets offer a world of opportunities and the Chamber is here to help you take advantage of them. From informative seminars and documentation services to connecting you to other partners and businesses via our Global Network we are all set up to help you succeed overseas.

In addition, our Global Membership package offers exclusive discounts, additional benefits and added services including online access to Tate’s Trade Guide, the leading international trade reference publication, covering the essential requirements for documentation and procedures involved in exporting to over 240 countries, a free foreign exchange health check and protection against bad debt and late payments.

Our close working relationship with Department for International Trade also ensures that Chamber members have access to expert advice and support and opportunities to take part in Department for International Trade led trade missions.

Export documentation

Customs Declarations are enormously important and a necessity for all businesses that import and export goods. We can help by making your customs declarations for you.

Paperwork related to imports and exports is complex and can be confusing. To add to the difficulty, goods will be subject to increased border checks now that we have left the EU, with any one of 26 government agencies taking an interest.

As an importer or exporter, making a declaration requires you to understand everything about the goods you are clearing from a customs perspective.

For more information, visit the ChamberCustoms website or give us a call on 01223 237414 or email customsdeclarations@cambscci.co.uk.

Out of Hours ChamberCustoms

Since 1 January 2022 we have noticed that many EU imports/exports are travelling across the borders under inventory linking, and many of these shipments are travelling overnight. Now that your goods have to be pre-lodged before arriving at the border, this means that if cargo inventory linking is required and the manifest is not raised until after 5.00pm, your goods will not be permitted to cross the border in the arriving country because we only usually operate a 9.00am-5.00pm service Monday-Friday. This may result in you incurring port charges and demurrage costs, particularly if goods are coming in over the weekend and will be held for more than a few hours.

On this basis, Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce have put in place procedures for us to ensure any shipments going out overnight or at the weekend are covered by us on an ‘Out of Hours Service’. The cost of this will be an additional £10.00 (plus VAT)*. As long as we are provided with the customs declaration instructions by 3.00pm on the day of shipment (or by 3.00pm Friday if a weekend shipment) we will be able to process the declaration and claim inventory out of hours, ensuring your goods can cross the borders smoothly.

*additional costs may be applied if the information supplied to us for claiming inventory is incorrect, or other amendments are required to clear goods.

To be able to do this, you must ensure that you are providing the relevant container number, shipping vessel details and where possible the bill of lading number. This information is required in addition to any other information you would normally provide us.

 

These Certificates are normally required for shipments to any of the following Arab League States:
Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Djibouti, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE and Yemen.

Some importers in these territories have special arrangements with their own customs authorities whereby United Kingdom Certificates can be used instead of the Arab. We encourage you to double check which type of certificate your customer requires. If an Arab Certificate of Origin is requested, this document may need to be legalised by the relevant Embassy.

Please call our office on 01223 237414 to obtain a quote for your documents and find out any special documentation requirements. You should allow two-three weeks for the return of legalised documents.

The Chamber offers a comprehensive ATA Carnet service, in conjunction with Bristol Chamber of Commerce, processing and even preparing the documents on your behalf.

An ATA Carnet is an internationally recognised booklet of vouchers which replace the usual Customs declarations for the temporary movement of goods. It avoids the need to provide securities for Customs duty and simplifies the formalities for goods temporarily exported or imported. The ATA Carnet is valid for a maximum of one year from issue and may be used for temporary importation of most goods as long as they are to be re-exported without having undergone any change.

To find out more please contact the International Trade Team on 01223 237414 or email internationaltrade@cambscci.co.uk.

Register here to start the process for an ATA Carnet.

Here you will find a number of forms and documents available to download free of charge to assist you with your export documentation. Don’t forget, our team of international trade experts are always willing to answer any queries and can be contacted on 01223 237414.

Support for Exporters

As well as processing your export documentation, both in person and online, we also facilitate opportunities to develop your knowledge of export and import procedures and requirements and investigate potential new marketplaces.

The Chamber offer regular training courses aimed to provide the knowledge to assist with your international trade activities. You will receive detailed notes to take away to build-up a toolkit of reference information.

Our programme of courses are accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and delivered by Chamber member Export Unlocked. Each course includes revision exercises and an assessment based on the training received during the day. These assessments will be marked and candidates achieving a pass or merit will receive a uniquely numbered certificate in each area. Delegates that choose to complete, and pass, six courses will receive the nationally recognised Foundation Award in International Trade.

To view the list of forthcoming export training courses please click here.

Courses can also be tailored to meet your company’s specific requirements. For more information please contact us on 01223 237414.

Chamber membership offers opportunities to become involved with our International Sector which brings together like-minded individuals with a specific interest in international trade. As well as presenting an opportunity to network and share ideas with professionals with similar areas of expertise, members of the committee draw upon their experience and knowledge to instigate specialist events and seminars that bring in market experts from around the globe.

To find out more about joining the International Sector committee, or to join the mailing list for future International Sector workshops and seminars, please contact the Chamber on 01223 237414.

Export support services include specialist market research, multilingual virtual secretary services, 121-clinics and trade mission assistance.

When you’re looking beyond national borders for new opportunities, we can assist you along the way.

Sema4, through our own expertise and close partnerships in Europe, supports exporters and helps UK businesses to identify opportunities, understand risks and challenges, connect and establish long lasting business relationships.

Click here to find out more.

Anglia Translations Ltd has been supporting businesses for over 30 years, by providing professional translation and interpreting services to companies of all sizes, from start-ups to international global brands. They pride themselves on their commitment to quality, their personalised customer service and their expert project management.

Click here to find out more

 

Working with PAB Languages, we help companies to build successful relations with people from different countries and cultures. PAB Languages understand the nuances of language and cultural sensitivity and their talented team can help you to ensure that your message truly appeals to potential customers globally.

Click here to find out more.

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