When I posed various questions in my blog on the export challenge recently, leading to my answering the question this week: "Are there any regulatory requirements you need to be aware of?" little did I expect an excited phone call on Saturday morning from my daughter, Charlotte. Let me explain.
The answer to the question is partly that you should be talking to HMRC, or at the very least, viewing the full range of enormously helpful information on their website. The phone call I got from Charlotte was to say; "You’re never going to believe this" and then she promptly held the phone in front of her television. It transpires that she was watching a recorded episode from Friday evening of Coronation Street and as the characters were talking I heard the phrase; "My name is Clive Drinkwater and I’m from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs" Well, after picking myself up off the floor and desperately trying to control my daughter’s laughter, I couldn’t believe the coincidence. Clive Drinkwater is not really a very common name (the only other person I’m remotely aware of sharing my name is a bespoke cabinet maker in Reading!) but to identify the character as being from HMRC feels quite spooky. The part is played by Jeffrey Holland (he of It Ain’t Half Hot Mum and Hi-De-Hi! Fame) and no offence to Jeffrey but I sincerely hope he does not become a recurring character.
So, anyway, back to the question. HMRC would indeed be a good start. You will, for example, need to be aware of the UK Trade Tariff, including the code for your products. When I began exporting this was called the Brussels Nomenclature but is now referred to as the HS (Harmonised System) code. A useful site is run by the EU called the Market Access Database and will give you an idea of what the import duty your customer is likely to have to pay almost anywhere in the world. Business Link’s section on international trade is a very good guide to the issues you may face from getting started through to understanding Export Controls. It also contains sections on Transporting your goods and tax obligations.
Other organisations that would be very helpful would be your local Chamber of Commerce – they don’t only provide export documentation services – and freight forwarders, the Institute of Export, your accountant, your bank or your lawyer. The key issue here is not to panic. There are indeed regulatory requirements but there is a huge amount of help out there and the requirements have certainly not stopped countless thousands of exporters from getting started. Do not be afraid to ask for professional help and you will benefit. And, if all else fails, catch up on the latest antics of Clive Drinkwater of HMRC on Coronation Street!
6 comments
Comment by Ralph Sinclair posted on
Commiserations on your new found noteriety.
Comment by Ralph Sinclair posted on
Commiserations on your new found noteriety.
Comment by Ralph Sinclair posted on
Commiserations on your new found noteriety.
Comment by Clive Drinkwater posted on
Yes indeed, Ralph. Like your website. My favourite way to cook brussel sprouts is fried with garlic, bacon and onions. Delicious and good for you. Do you think we could export them?
Comment by Clive Drinkwater posted on
Yes indeed, Ralph. Like your website. My favourite way to cook brussel sprouts is fried with garlic, bacon and onions. Delicious and good for you. Do you think we could export them?
Comment by Clive Drinkwater posted on
Yes indeed, Ralph. Like your website. My favourite way to cook brussel sprouts is fried with garlic, bacon and onions. Delicious and good for you. Do you think we could export them?