Export Procedures

What you are exporting and where you are exporting to will play a major role in determining the export documentation you require. Through their long-standing and acknowledged role in export documentation, all BCC Accredited Chambers are equipped to provide professional advice to experienced and new exporters at every stage of the exporting process.

Accredited Chambers can give you advice on export/import procedures i.e.

• customs tariffs
• documentation requirements
• licensing
• shipping terms
• methods of payment
• letters of credit

Export Documentation

Documentation is a key element and Chambers of Commerce provide in-depth services for export and import documentation including:

• EU Certificates of Origin
• Arab-British Certificates of Origin
• Admission Temporaire (ATA) Carnets - passports for goods that are not for sale but accompany business trip overseas
• Import Certificates
• Shipping News

Export controls and licensing of ‘dual-use’ and military goods

In today’s business climate, more than ever, exporters should take the opportunity to become conversant with the rules and regulations involved in exporting strategic goods, arms and dual use equipment. This includes remaining aware of current embargoed destinations. Remember, IT’S THE EXPORTER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO OBTAIN APPROPRIATE LICENCE COVERAGE FOR YOUR GOODS IF REQUIRED.

The Export Control Organisation (ECO), part of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is the UK’s licensing authority responsible for assessing export licence applications for strategic items.

The two main reasons why items might be ‘controlled’ and therefore need a licence are because the items are listed on a UK Strategic Export Control List or because of End-Use Controls where you are specifically ‘informed’ by the ECO that you need to apply.

Further practical guidance about export licensing is available at http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/exportcontrol

This includes information about the UK Strategic Export Control Lists, End-Use Controls, available licence types such as Open General Export Licences, application process, compliance requirements, legislation and details of advisory services.

The ECO also provides help and advice to exporters, via database tools such as the Control List Classification Search tool (available on the SPIRE export licensing database) or the OGEL Checker database.  The ECO also deliver a regular training programme of awareness seminars and workshops.

To apply for a licence: https://www.spire.bis.gov.uk

To keep informed of latest updates from ECO including the latest training programme, you can sign up to receive the ECO’s “Notices to Exporters” - http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/export-control-organisation/eco-notices-exporters
ECO helpline – email: eco.help@bis.gsi.gov.uk or telephone: 020 7215 4594

Export Finance

With more people trading across borders, payments systems and cultures, payment for exports is as vital as ever and increasingly complicated.

There are four main methods of payment for exports depending on the size and circumstances of your company:

• Cash in advance - the ideal
• Open account - if you know your buyer well
• Collect on Delivery - more security where you have yet to establish a relationship
• Letters of credit - security for the buyer and seller.

Through their accumulated experience and training, BCC's Accredited Chambers of Commerce can advise you on your options and help you liaise with your bank/finance company/factoring company/accountant to ensure you are asking the correct questions and know what to look out for.