Exporting for the first time can be a daunting experience but your local chamber can offer help and advice on starting your export journey. If you’re considering launching a product in a foreign market or have received an enquiry from overseas for the first time, we can point you in the right direction. Whether you need access to market research, or help with documentation, you local chamber can offer friendly, informative advice.
We can also point you to other agencies that might be able to assist with specialist services or knowledge.
You may want to consider some of the following points before you export for the first time:
Will you need to adapt your product offer to suit overseas markets?
Are there any regulatory requirements you need to take into account?
How will you choose which markets to export to?
What effect will different languages and culture have on your ways of working?
Will you be able to find customers directly or will you need to have other channels or routes to market, using agents or distributors for example?
How important will it be to have ready availability of stock in country to satisfy demand and will you need to have access to resource on the ground to provide after sales service?
Will you need to change your promotion planning?
How will you protect your intellectual property?
Have got the necessary skills to complete export documentation etc?
How will you get paid?
Your local chamber can help you get the information you need to answer these questions and the many more that will come to mind as you start your export journey.
As international trade becomes increasingly more complex, universally used rules are essential to avoid misunderstandings and costly disputes. Regularly incorporated into sales contracts worldwide, Incoterms® rules define, in a set of three-letter trade terms, the risks and responsibilities of buyers and sellers in an international sales contract.
Used by large and small businesses trading across borders all over the world, Incoterms® are applied to the sales of billions of pounds of goods each year and provide businesses with the confidence and certainty to operate in unfamiliar markets and legal jurisdictions, with suppliers and buyers of containerised trade.
ICC’s latest revision , Incoterms® 2020, continues a 70 year tradition of reflecting the latest developments in the trading environmental and modern business-to-business practice.
It is an essential set of rules to guide exporters and importers through the crucial aspects of an international sales contract including defining the obligations with respect to arranging and paying for carriage, insurance and duties, as well as responsibilities associated with the delivery of goods.
Incoterms® 2020 includes some very big changes. This is the biggest group of changes to the fundamental principles of International Trade that we have seen for many years. No-one can afford not to understand them. The implications of the changes are enormous and you cannot afford to be left behind.
Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is able to provide 2 options:
ORDER THE NEW PUBLICATION We have stocks of the new publication which you can purchase.
Prices are: £40.00 for Chamber Members and £65.00 for Non-Members (VAT is not applicable)
ATTEND A TRAINING SEMINAR We can offer a full day training course to explain the changes from a practical perspective. Everyone from Importers and Exporters to Freight Forwarders and Bankers will need to know.
This course now falls within the ‘core 6’ courses accredited by British Chambers of Commerce. Candidates achieving Pass or Merit in the course will receive a uniquely numbered certificate. Those who pass all 6 individual courses will achieve a nationally recognised Foundation Award in International Trade.
Dates for these courses are detailed within our Training Diary
Prices are: £280 + VAT for Norfolk Chamber Members and £350 + VAT for Non-Members
FOR THOSE WHO PURCHASE THE BOOKLET, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR AS WELL, WE ARE PLEASED TO OFFER A 10% DISCOUNT ON THE TRAINING COURSE COST.
To order a copy of the publication or to book your place on one of the seminars, please email: export@norfolkchambers.co.uk or call Tel. 01603 729706
We have access to a wealth of information on countries all over the world.
From documentation needs to sanctions, from overseas Chambers of Commerce to UK Government helpdesks, we can signpost you to someone who can help, or provide the information you need directly.
Croners Country Information Please advise which country you are looking for by emailing export@norfolkchamber.co.uk and we will email the relevant pages back to you
There’s never been a better time to trade internationally. And whether you are completely new to exporting, have some experience, or are looking to expand a well established range of global markets and services, there’s always more you can do to increase your profits.
We have put together an extensive list of use tips, guides, programmes and videos on how to find the right export market for your product and your company:
Taking less than 5 minutes to register, you can access updates straight to your inbox, covering new business opportunities that arise all over the world.
You can specify which sectors or markets you are interested in and point out how regular you wish to receive these updates.
An ideal opportunity and it won’t cost you a penny!
As Norfolk Chambers International Team, we do our best to help exporters complete documentation as painlessly as possible. To that end we’re examining some of the core rules which govern the certification process of documents, including Certificates of Origin as well as the rules regarding the stamping of other documents including invoices.
1. Producing a Certificate of Origin which includes Foreign Origin Goods
Here, we’ll be looking at what you need to do when producing a Certificate of Origin (hereafter referred to as a “C of O”) which includes goods of foreign origin.
For the purposes of completing a C of O, Box 3 on the front must include the country/ies of origin of all the goods being shipped. On the back of the pink application page, the manufacturers names and addresses of EVERY ITEM, must also be shown.
Many exporters get confused as to which boxes to tick on the back of the pink page, so here is a quick guide:
BOX 1 For goods that are naturally produced/grown/raised in the UK i.e. fruit, vegetables, animals, fish etc.
BOX 2 For goods that are manufactured through a process in the UK. This could include raw materials from overseas but if they are being used to manufacture something else, this changes the origin to UK. Most goods produced/manufactured in the UK will fall under this category.
BOX 3 For goods that were manufactured anywhere outside the UK.
Please note – you can tick more than one box.
FOR UK ORIGIN GOODS: All we need to see is “United Kingdom” in Box 3, and the names and addresses of the manufacturers on the back of the pink page
FOR FOREIGN ORIGIN GOODS We will need to see the correct country/ies listed in Box 3, the names and addresses of the manufacturers on the back of the pink page and also, documentary proof of their origin. This must be in the form of a commercial document from the manufacturer such as:
Certificate of Origin of a responsible body in the country of export
Copy of the invoice from the manufacture
A declaration by the actual producer or manufacturer of the goods
Just think of the C of O as a “Certificate of Manufacture” – the Chamber’s role is to certify WHERE the goods were manufactured – to do this, we need proof. As such, when you’re providing us with details of foreign origin goods, we are looking for the manufacturer’s details, not the supplier.
If you buy the goods from an agent/supplier, for commercial reasons they may not be willing to provide you with the manufacturers details. They can however, provide this to us directly and under UK Rules, we will keep this information completely confidential.
2. Having a signature on a document attested by the Chamber
Here we consider the process by which the Chamber stamps attest signature on documents that aren’t Certificates of Origin such as: invoices, health certificates and agency agreements and so forth.
When a chamber stamps a document such as invoice what we’re doing is not stamping the document to state that it’s correct or true.
Instead what we’re doing is stamping to confirm we recognise the signature on the document.
That’s why, when you need the Chamber to stamp a document, such as an invoice, you must ensure that someone on the Formal Undertaking that the Chamber holds with your company has counter-signed the document. When the Chamber receives the document we then check the signature on the document against your Formal Undertaking and if matches up then we’ll be able to stamp the document in question.
If you have any further questions, please contact the International Trade Team on 01603 729716 or at export@norfolkchambers.co.uk
Department for International Trade (D.I.T.) is the UK Government Department that helps UK-based companies succeed in global markets, and assists overseas firms in brining their high-quality investment to the UK.
D.I.T. has a global network of 2,400 staff. It’s International Trade Advisors around the UK, have years of business experience to draw on when advising companies. In 96 markets based in the British Embassies and other Diplomatic offices around the world, D.I.T. staff can offer local, in-market knowledge and expertise.
D.I.T. has helped many thousands of businesses achieve international success by providing tailored services with specialist support covering a wide range of industries. Its clients consistently cite the importance of D.I.T. support in helping them to overcome barriers to new overseas business and improve their business performance.
Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) A tailored service by overseas teams to access market and industry information, identify potential contacts or assist in planning an event. This service attracts a charge.
Business Opportunities Discover new Business Opportunities. D.I.T. can help find overseas contracts, tenders or projects for your business.
Trade Missions and Events D.I.T. organise a number of Trade Missions and Events to assist Businesses to find new overseas markets for their products
Whether it’s a first time export for your company or you want to consider expanding your exports into other overseas markets, we are here to help.
We can link you with British Chambers of Commerce overseas who will be able to access support and services which will provide UK businesses with a wider scope of services available to them to help succeed in their chosen market.
For more information and to be connected with an overseas market please contact the International Team at Norfolk Chamber on 01603 729716 or e-mail export@norfolkchamber.co.uk
It is normal practice for a UK individual or company intending to import controlled goods from another COCOM (Co-ordinating Committee) member country to apply for an International Import Certificate (IIC) at the request of the Licensing Authority of the country of export.
An IIC constitutes an undertaking by the importer to import the goods into the country of destination, without diversion or transhipment elsewhere, and not to re-export the goods without an export licence from the Licensing Authority in the country of importation. It is also an assurance from the Government of that country that it will control any subsequent export of those goods.
The intended purpose of the IIC is to reduce the risk of diversion of sensitive strategic goods and technology.
Blank forms are available from the International Trade Team by calling 01603 729706.
You will need to complete the form which is quite straightforward and then send it in to us with a copy of your official order for the goods so that we can check everything is correct.
We then stamp the form and return it to you but we also send copies to our own Government and also the Government of the country from which you are importing the goods.
For up to date rules and information covering Controlled Goods, please click here.
Please see our Export Documentation Rates for current prices. Members are entitled to 50% Discount on our standard rates for processing your Import Certificate.
What do I need to send to the Chamber with my Document?
Completed Certificate – MUST BE TYPEWRITTEN – handwritten applications will be rejected
Copy of your official order/contract with your overseas supplier
How do I apply for my International Import Certificate?
By Post You complete the specialised blank Certificate and send it in to us with the above listed back up documents. We will then check and certify the Certificate and return it to you by first class post – you can also collect it if you prefer.
While you Wait You complete the specialised blank Certificate and bring it in to our office in Norwich with the above listed back up documents. We will stop what we are doing and complete the process while you wait. Please note that this service is only available between 9.30am and 3.30pm every weekday.
Everyday Export Documents such as Arab Certificates of Origin are legalised through ourselves as part of the huge Chamber Network.
We can arrange to legalise any document for you that you may require whether it be for shipping purposes or even Regulatory Affairs such as:
Invoices Packing Lists Blacklist Certificates Health Certificates Certificates of Manufacture and Free Sale Certificates of Analysis Quality Certificates Agency/Distribution Agreements Power of Attorney Registration of Company, Product or Trademark Memorandum and Articles of Association Certificate of Incorporation Certificate of Good Standing Company Trade or Finance Report Legal Notarised Documents
Please note that every Embassy works at its own pace. If you require legalised documents for a Letter of Credit for instance, we would recommend that you send these in to us when the goods are leaving your premises or slightly earlier if possible. Some of the Embassies can take up to 3 or 4 weeks to complete the legalisation process.
What do I need to send to the Chamber with my Document?
For documents such as the above, we only need the originally signed document but please ensure that it is signed by someone who is listed on your Signatory Sheet.
Due to the cost of these documents, we will return them to you by Special Delivery or you can collect them – this is simply to avoid the risk of loss in the post.
How do I apply for my Document to be legalised?
When it comes to legalisation of individual documents, the Embassies will only process originally signed documents.
Please send us an email detailing what document(s) you require to be legalised and we will be able to provide you with the current cost and let you know how long the process will take. You will then need to send the documents to us in the post and we will then do the rest.
Please note that we have to send payment to the Embassy with the document so we would respectfully ask you to send in your payment with the document.
These Certificates are normally required for shipments to any of the following Arab League Nations:
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 UK Certificates can be used instead of the Arab. Double check with your customer which type they would prefer but as a safety net, ensure that you receive their reply in writing.
Please note that if your customer is asking for an Arab Certificate, this will mean that the document MUST be legalised by the relevant Embassy which will incur extra charges and take longer to process – call our office for an up to date cost for this as required. Please allow up to 3-4 weeks for the return of your legalised documents.
Due to the cost of these documents, we will return them to you by Special Delivery at a cost of £8+VAT, or you can collect them – this is simply to avoid the risk of loss n the post. (NOT OFFERED AT PRESENT DUE TO COVID-19 – BUT PICK UP SERVICE IS AVAILABLE IF YOU LET US KNOW).
As with the UK Certificates, you will need to include back up documents to assist us in processing the document.
Norfolk Chamber can begin the legalisation process for you. The processing fees are set by the Arab British Chamber of Commerce and relative Embassy.
What do I need to send to the Chamber with my Certificate of Origin?
Commercial Invoice
Packing List (if the Gross Weight is not shown on your Invoice)
Full Names and Addresses of the manufacturers should be shown on the front of each page.
Please note that if any of the goods were manufactured overseas, we require documentary proof of this, by way of a commercial document (for each item) such as the Foreign CofO or Invoice from the manufacturer.
How do I apply for my Certificate of Origin to be certified? There are several ways to send your documents to us:
e-zCert The most popular form of applying is through our fully electronic system. For Arab Certificates that require legalisation, you can apply through e-zCert using the Standard option. This means that we receive your application and print it here in our office. You will need to send in your originally signed back up documents to us by post because the Embassies will only work against an original. We will then send the checked and stamped documents off for completion.
By Post You complete the 3-part Arab Certificate and send it in to us with the above listed back up documents. We will then send the checked and stamped documents off for completion.
Prep If you prefer, we can type or prep the Certificate for you, on your behalf. We will require the back up documents listed above which can in the first instance, be sent by email, in order for us to have all the required information. Once we receive your originally signed Invoice by post, we will then send the checked and stamped documents off for completion. Please email the initial documents to: export@norfolkchambers.co.uk
If you need help to complete the Certificate, please take a look at our How to Guides
