Trade credit insurance has proven valuable to a number of exporters and use of this is being encouraged at present.
Trying to keep the economy going is occupying government minds during the epidemic, with additional support for exporters, or related investors made available.
A number of UK exporters will have been contacted directly, regarding increased provision for export insurance cover. This covers most major markets and if you haven’t heard from the DIT, contact them.
Other concessions are being made, such as zero tariffs on importing crucial medical equipment. Worth looking through the guidance for exporting, which also covers supply chain aspects, other financial support and useful contact points.
Working With Customs
An area we should focus on, where there are changes. Social distancing applies for customs staff and their clients, who are being asked to exchange all documents electronically, via email, fax, or a digital image.
Although not all documents will need to be printed, those required by customs officials in EU states and several other regions must travel with the goods as a hard copy. This includes proof of status and ATA carnets.
You should also provide hard copies of licenses and other documents to the appropriate importer or exporter, ideally by post to avoid contact.
Export approvals may be able to be extended to include additional locations for authorised traders. This would grant permission to progress without needing goods to be located at the premises set out in your approval.
More detail is available at moving goods through customs. This also covers transit movements, other changes to operations during the coronavirus epidemic and a list of Border Force contact points.
Coping With Delay
The current situation can cause delay during transit and a need to submit a supplementary declaration. If you are unable to accurately calculate this by the due date as a result of coronavirus, estimated figures should be accepted.
A similar principle applies to ATA carnets, where delay may make them invalid. National guaranteeing associations and providers are working together to try to mitigate any ATA Carnet claims caused by restrictions due to the virus.
If our team can support your exporting needs, please get in touch. We should all work together in a flexible way, to ensure the free flow of goods as far as possible.