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Self Service Customs Declarations are here – A new service available form Norfolk ChamberCustoms

Self Service Customs Declarations are here – A new service available form Norfolk ChamberCustoms

Norfolk ChamberCustoms is currently rolling out a new service for Importers and Exporters.

New software named ‘Exabler’, allows the Trader to key in the details of the products being declared, and has an upload facility for quick and easy attachment of Invoices, and other supporting documentation.

David Cowan, Customs Declaration Manager at Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said;

“I am currently working with a client who makes sizeable imports, one container at a time. Each can contain up to 99 declaration lines, with various commodity codes, countries of Origin, Duty and VAT details. The new software removes the need for the client to send us instructions detailing all of this. They can simply upload an excel spreadsheet into the software, and once all fields are completed, I as a customs Agent will be able to access it, check for compliance and accuracy, and then declare as correct against all corresponding information. In honesty it makes the whole process much more customer friendly, bringing the world of customs declarations into a far more user friendly working platform. The team and I are currently working with numerous Norfolk businesses to move them over to the new system.”

“This is a system which will of course benefit all businesses, small and large, with their Customs Declarations requirements. Over time, we see all existing  and future clients moving over to the new platform. In my opinion it is a real game changer…”

If you are interested in discussing how the new software, and Norfolk ChamberCustom’s expertise can benefit your business, give David Cowan a call on 01603 729 707

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TRADE UPDATE FROM HM REVENUE AND CUSTOMS (HMRC)

The Chamber is aware of a September update published by HMRC.

Trader Emails are planned for the 30th September, to 155,000 traders covering Import and Export Declarations. Trader Letters are also planned for issue during w/c 27 September to approximately 27,000 experienced GB traders who have not submitted import declarations since 1 January 2021, to remind them of the new customs requirements they must meet and let them know where they can get help.

In this letter HMRC will Remind traders they must declare all goods they import into GB from the EU and what process they must follow to delay declarations for non-controlled goods, directing them to clear guidance on GOV.UK.

The letter will also direct traders to the www.GOV.UK guidance on how to make an entry in their records and submit their supplementary declaration within 175 days of import, if they choose to delay their declarations. HMRC want to help traders feel supported through the new processes and signpost them to where they can get help.

David Cowan, International Declaration Manager said; “Norfolk ChamberCustoms should be your first port of call, where expert advice and service is available today. We can help you get your declarations right, first time, and support you through what can seem challenging at the start. Traders can contact me directly on 01603 729 707”

Enterprise Europe Network

Enterprise Europe Network

What is the Enterprise Europe Network?

Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) is a fully funded service that focuses on helping innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expand into new markets, find collaborative partners and increase their competitiveness.

Support includes advising on EU legislation, helping to access funding, identifying new market opportunities, providing training on entrepreneurial skills and helping companies to enhance their innovation management capacity.

For more information on EEN and contact details please click here.

ATA Carnets

ATA Carnets

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce has been chosen to represent London Chamber of Commerce on advice, guidance and issuance of ATA Carnets in the East of England.
  1. Do you have to take samples with you on your overseas sales trips?
  2. Do you participate in Overseas Trade Fairs or Exhibitions?
  3. Do you ever need to take Professional Equipment overseas?
If you can answer yes to any of these questions, you may find that using an ATA Carnet will make the trip so much easier. The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty/tax free TEMPORARY import of goods for up to one year.  Using an ATA Carnet cuts out the red tape for you at border points avoiding cash deposits and the like in the country of temporary importation. It can be used for multiple trips, is valid for one year and covers over 60 countries. Remember – the Carnet acts as a passport so whatever leaves the UK must always come back. The ATA Carnet provides a guarantee to the Customs of a foreign country into which the goods are temporarily imported that all duties, taxes etc. will be paid to them if the conditions under which they allow these into the country are breached. Carnets can cover almost anything: computers, repair tools, photographic and film equipment, musical instruments, industrial machinery, vehicles, jewellery, clothing, medical appliances, aircraft, race horses, old masters, prehistoric relics, ballet costumes and rock group sound systems are just some of the items that can cross borders duty-free and tax-free, thanks to ATA Carnets. There are three categories* that the goods can be used for:
  • Commercial Samples
  • Professional Equipment
  • Exhibitions
*Restrictions on some countries may vary – contact the International Team for clarification All carnets must be accompanied by an Application Form/Formal Undertaking and CIS Premium Application Form.  We cannot release carnets until we have the original copies of these forms.

ONLINE SERVICE

Producing Carnets has never been easier thanks to introduction of e-zCert Carnet applications. You can now create your own Carnets electronically via the e-zCert service and submit them to the Norfolk Chambers for processing. This means there’s no charge for preparing the Carnet and no need to send the original documents to the Chamber. Get online and take advantage of the service that businesses all over the country are using to save time and money.

EU TRAVEL POST JANUARY 2021

You may require an ATA Carnet for travel into or through the EU from 1st January 2021.  These can be applied for as above but also click here for a Brext update guide to assist you. Take a look at our Carnet Rates. Members of Norfolk Chambers are entitled to 40% Discount on our standard rates. Members of other Eastern Chambers, can benefit from 10% Discount. For more information, a quotation or if you have any questions, please contact us on Tel. 01603 729706 or by email at: export@norfolkchambers.co.uk
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Notice to Exporters

Read updates issued by the Export Control Organisation including details about imposition of arms embargoes, Open General Export Licence amendments or announcements about Control List changes.   The most recent updates are:   Notice to Exporters: 2020/17 ECJU Annual Report 2021   Notice to Exporters: 2020/18 OGELs and MOD Authorisation letters   Notice to Exporters: 2020/19 EU transition and SPIRE   Notice to Exporters: 2020/20 List of dual-use controlled items update   Notice to Exporters: 2020/21 Open general licences update   Notice to Exporters: 2020/22 General Trade Licence Russia Sanctions   Notice to Exporters: 2021/01 Changes to export control legislation and licensing   You can find all the previous Notices to Exporters here.

 

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Translation Service

Research has shown that language differences are a significant barrier to International Trade but with the Norfolk ChambersTranslation and Interpreter Service, they don’t need to be.

Our translation service can help you communicate effectively with your overseas clients in their native languages to help your business flourish. Whatever your translation needs, from introductory letters through to product manuals, we can meet your requirements and take a load off your mind.   

Our translators are highly qualified linguists, translating into their mother tongue and are specialised in different sectors or disciplines such as automotive, aerospace, information technology, legal, software or medical technology.

For overseas communications, whether by way of face to face meetings or conference calls, we can arrange for an interpreter to assist.

It’s all part of a service designed to give you the confidence and credibility to make your business a success abroad. And that sounds good in anybody’s language.

Here are some comments made by customers of this particular service:

“The Norfolk Chambers provide an excellent service and are always happy to go the extra mile to ensure the accuracy of the translations we receive.” Charlotte Ludkin, Permastore Ltd

“We have used Norfolk Chambers of Commerce Translation facilities and find them prompt, very helpful and accurate. Our Company would certainly use them again.” Patricia Marcus, KSG Limited

“Wow – so quick.  What a great service.” Fiona Walker, Steeles Law

They put their trust in us – why don’t you?

Get a quote for your translation 

If you have a document that needs to be translated and would like a quote, please complete our online form here.

We will be able to provide you with a quote and timescale for the work. If you have any special requiements or you have a tight deadline, please include this in the email and we will try to work to your timescale.  Please Click Here for our Standard Rates.

If you have any questions related to our Translation Service, please contact: Telephone: 01603 729706 Email:  export@norfolkchambers.co.uk

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Letter of Credit Service

Norfolk Chambers provides a high quality Letter of Credit Service, which removes the fear that some exporters have, when it comes to the intricate detail stipulated in an L/C.

The fear that some companies have of Letters of Credit, mean that they are potentially losing business as they are not willing to agree to these terms of payment – our L/C service will alleviate that fear.

National figures show that when documents are submitted to the Bank by exporters, on their first presentation, 80% are rejected. When they make their second attempt, 50% are still rejected.

Although this is a fairly new offering from us, the service itself has been ongoing for more than 15 years and to date, has a record of 98% acceptance on first presentation and 100% on the second attempt.

We deliver a professional service whereby your Letter of Credit is passed to our associates who will then:

  • Check the conditions in the L/C to ensure you can meet them
  • Inform you of any amendments that you need to obtain
  • Prepare all the relevant documents
  • Speak with the Shipping Agent
  • Check the Bills of Lading
  • Present all the documents to the bank

The next thing you know, the money is in your bank account!

The service is becoming very popular with local firms; here are a few comments from our latest clients:

It took all the worries and concerns I had dealing with a letter of credit away. Steve Fisher, Norfolk Truck & Van Ltd

Just very easy, all the hard work was taken away from me. Stuart Harvey, Softstart UK Limited

I would definitely recommend the service. I felt completely supported throughout the whole process; help and explanations were always at hand when I needed them. Gary Williamson, GT Bunning & Sons

For more information, or details on the costs, please contact the International Trade Team on Tel. 01603 729706 or by email at: export@norfolkchambers.co.uk

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Chamber Credit Insurance

With global insolvencies on the rise the risk of bad debt and late payments is very high, Chamber Credit Insurance can help you to expand internationally and establish new business relationships. Chamber Credit Insurance is a business essential, as well as a financial management tool that provides protection against unexpected bad debts and gives you access to professional expertise in the form of credit management information and services.

Your local Chamber have partnered up with Euler Hermes, the world’s largest provider of credit insurance to offer all Chamber members a unique and exclusive offering to help to grow your business in the present volatile economic environment.

So how does Chamber Credit Insurance actually work?

Watch the video and find out in just 2 minutes how credit insurance can help keep your cash-flow flowing.

Or think of is as…

  • Your van breaks down But you have a car insurance policy to cover you and get money back  
  • Your office gets flooded But you have a buildings insurance policy to cover you and get money back  
  • Your customer goes into insolvency …but you have a Chamber Credit Insurance policy and you get money back

Chamber Credit Insurance can protect your business in 3 easy steps

  1. We work with you to set appropriate credit limits for your customers
  2. If there is a serious delay in payment, you notify us via our online service and we will assist you in collecting the debt where appropriate through our award-winning collections service
  3. If the debt is non-collectable, for example because of insolvency, then we will process your claim swiftly to ensure that your cash flow is not adversely affected

Why use Chamber Credit Insurance?

  • Receive in-depth knowledge of your marketplace
  • Allows for more accurate sales forecasting
  • Your passport for doing business abroad
  • Greater access to finance & support
  • Better risk prevention
Find Out How Much Your Business Could Save

Chamber Foreign Exchange

The Norfolk Chambers of Commerce has partnered with exchange experts, Moneycorp to provide money saving foreign exchange to chamber members. If you have international payment requirements Moneycorp can help you save hundreds, thousands, even tens of thousands every year.

Key benefits

  • Bank-beating exchange rates – typically as much as 4% better than the banks.
  • Expert market guidance at the end of a phone – Moneycorp’s professional currency dealers can guide you through the foreign exchange market.
  • Fast online money transfers 24/7 – trade at convenient times with online accounts and live rate information.
  • Safeguarded client funds – Moneycorp is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide payment services and safeguards all client funds in segregated customer accounts.

Exclusive Member Package

  • Free foreign exchange health check – Free assessment of your business’s foreign exchange requirements, to help you pin-point where you could improve your margins.
  • Low transfer fees – Our fees start from just £5, a substantial saving over the £20-£40 that banks typically charge.
  • Free account opening – Buy and sell any of 35 currencies.

Useful documents that may help you can be found below:

If this service is of interest, and you are a member of Norfolk Chambers, please contact Moneycorp directly:

Tel: 0800 710 1040 Email: chamberfx@moneycorp.com

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DHL Express Service – Chamber Discount Scheme

Exporting Your Business to the World?

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and DHL Express want to help you hit the ground running. That’s why shipments are half-price for all our members, in their first year of exporting with DHL.

DHL Express has worked relentlessly in recent years to ensure that smaller businesses get the help and support they need to start trading internationally.

From UK based customer service agents on the other end of the phone, to specialist Customs advice, free packaging and a hypercare process for new shippers to guide them through their first booking, DHL aims to ensure that opening an account with them and shipping internationally for the first time is as simple as possible.

This exclusive offer*, aimed at Chamber members, is designed to help businesses get started in global trade. The offer, along with the ability to collect Nectar points on every shipment, helps make exporting even more rewarding.

50% off exporting for a year

Make savings every time you ship – giving you more money to invest in other areas of your business. An unmissable opportunity to help establish your business on an international scale, with cost pressures seriously reduced.

Chamber membership can pays for itself

Start recouping your Norfolk Chamber membership fee from your very first shipment – and benefit from an unparalleled range of member services.

Do I qualify for 50% off shipping?

To be eligible for the offer you must:

  • Be a member of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce
  • Not have used DHL more than five times in the last 12 months
  • Be a UK business

Where do I start?

If you’re a member of Norfolk Chamber, click here and complete the short online form which will enable the Chamber Discount to be applied.  You will need to state on the form which Chamber you are a member of. Filling in the form does not commit you to anything – this is simply to notify DHL Express that you wish to find out more.  DHL will then contact you directly to find out your shipping needs and advise how much you will save.

FAQ’s

You may think there must be a catch, but we can assure you there isn’t.  We simply want to do all we can to help you start/increase your exports as well as save money – please take a look at our frequently asked questions.

*Terms and conditions apply – click here for details.

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Export Support

The International Trade Team is made up of fully trained and qualified staff.

If you have any questions or just need clarification on anything related to exporting, please do not hesitate to contact us – you may find that we will have the answers for you there and then.

If you have received a document that you do not understand email it to us and we will try and decipher it for you or explain what it is.

If we are unable to help, we can either give you contact details of other companies that may be able to help or look into your query further and call you back.

You may also the following areas within our site of help:

For telephone enquiries, please call the Team directly on: 01603 625977

For email enquiries, please contact: export@norfolkchamber.co.uk