ChamberCustoms

27/01/2026

As we head into 2026, here’s a quick re‑introduction…

Who are ChamberCustoms?
We’re the customs clearance, training and consultancy service from the British Chambers of Commerce, keeping UK businesses compliant and efficient when trading internationally.

What makes us different? We combine:
- HMRC‑compliant customs clearance for all your import and export declarations
- Direct links to major UK sea, air, rail and road ports and terminals to keep your goods moving
- Training and support to help your teams understand customs rules and trade with confidence

In short: we deal with the customs complexity so you can focus on growing your business.

Why does this matters in 2026?
Trade rules and systems continue to evolve, and getting customs wrong can be costly. Our role is to give you clarity, confidence and compliance at the border.

And the people behind all that? Our team is spread all over the country, working together every day in our virtual office – that’s us in the picture 👇

Planning to grow your international trade this year? Send us a message to find out how we can support your clearance, training or consultancy needs.

26/01/2026

US Tariffs: Update 🇺🇸

Before the threat of more imminent US tariffs was removed by President Trump, the British Chambers of Commerce acted quickly to poll businesses across the Chamber network.

At that point, 33% of respondents expected to be exposed to potential US tariff changes, with many yet to take action.

While the immediate tariff risk has now been reversed, it’s a timely reminder of how quickly trading conditions can change - and why being prepared matters.

👉 If you trade with the US and would like support reviewing your customs exposure, ChamberCustoms is here to help.

23/01/2026

Did you know? 🚨

The Port of Shanghai is the busiest container port in the world, handling over 47 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually!

That’s enough containers to circle the Earth more than 10 times 😲

21/01/2026

🚨 De Minimis Changes Ahead – What Does It Mean for Your Business?

From 1 July 2026, the EU will remove de minimis exemptions on low-value goods.
This means:
- A flat customs duty of €3 per commodity code will apply to consignments worth less than €150 entering the EU.
- UK businesses exporting small parcels to EU customers will see increased costs and admin.

Meanwhile, the UK is also considering ending its own de minimis duty rate exemption for small package imports. If implemented, this could significantly impact e-commerce and cross-border trade.

What should you do now?

- Review your pricing and supply chain strategy.
- Factor in additional customs charges for low-value goods.
- Stay informed. These changes could reshape the way you trade internationally.

🔗 Read more here:

Although UK originating products will still be tariff free, they will now face customs fees and potentially separate handling charges levied by individual EU countries. 

20/01/2026

📊 UK Trade & Services Outlook – What’s Ahead for 2026?

The latest HMRC trade statistics show how UK goods trade performed in late 2025, giving businesses valuable insight into trends with EU and non-EU partners. But it’s not just goods – services trade is under pressure too.

According to the British Chambers of Commerce , UK services exports are forecast to grow by just 0.3% in 2026, with businesses calling for clarity on US tariffs and deeper Indo-Pacific trade terms. This signals a challenging year ahead for exporters.
✅ What does this mean for you?

Review your trade strategy for both goods and services.
Keep an eye on tariff developments and new trade agreements.
Explore digital tools to streamline customs processes.

💬 Question for you: How are you planning to navigate slower growth and rising costs in 2026? Share your thoughts below!

19/01/2026

Looking for something to fill the webinar void until our next series? 🎓

Join the Department for Business and Trade today at 2pm for their session:
“Essential Steps for International Shipping”

This webinar will cover everything you need to know to navigate global shipping successfully – from documentation and compliance to avoiding costly mistakes.

🔗 Register here: https://ow.ly/iRBp50XY4Ze

Need extra support?
If you require consultancy or customs clearance assistance, contact ChamberCustoms – we’re here to help you trade with confidence.

16/01/2026

🌍 Fun Trade Fact Friday!

Did you know that when the Apollo 11 astronauts returned from the Moon in 1969, they signed a US Customs declaration form?

Items: “Moon rock and moon dust samples.”
Routing: Cape Kennedy → Moon → Honolulu.

This wasn’t a legal requirement – it was a playful gesture by NASA, as the crew were quarantined for three weeks after return. So, no tariffs on lunar imports 🚀✨

15/01/2026

🌍 New Blog: CBAM Compliance in 2026 – What UK Exporters Need to Know

The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) entered its definitive phase on 1 January 2026, transforming emissions reporting from a transitional exercise into a real commercial cost for EU importers.

For UK manufacturers and exporters, this means EU customers will increasingly rely on robust, accurate emissions data to remain compliant - and to continue choosing you as a supplier.

Our latest blog, written by Emmanuel Gianquitto, Head of Customs Consultancy & Training, breaks down:
• What changes in 2026
• What EU importers will expect from UK suppliers
• How emissions data will influence pricing and competitiveness
• Practical steps UK businesses should take now to stay ahead

🔗 Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/jXZ050XWBJM

If your business needs support with CBAM readiness, our experts are here to help.

14/01/2026

CDS Update 🚨
HMRC will deploy a minor CDS release tomorrow, on 15 January 2026. This update will not require any system outage.

What’s changing?
- Validation updates for certain document codes
- DE 8/6 (Statistical Value) will become mandatory on all export declarations
- Additional minor enhancements

If you have pre-lodged declarations scheduled to arrive on or after 15 January, please review and amend them to ensure compliance with these changes. Any declarations not updated will be rejected.

For support with CDS compliance or to discuss how these changes affect your processes, contact the ChamberCustoms team.



🔗 https://ow.ly/FSS350XTVSo

13/01/2026

Importing or exporting? Compliance isn’t optional - it’s a competitive advantage.
Getting customs right protects cash flow, avoids penalties and delays, and keeps goods moving.

It’s about:
- Accurate classification & valuation so duties and VAT are correct.
- Right documents, licences and data
- Using reliefs and procedures (IP, TA, transit) to legitimately reduce costs.
- Robust audit trails that stand up to HMRC scrutiny.

How ChamberCustoms can help

- Compliance & Health Check Audits: A deep‑dive review of your processes and declarations, with clear, prioritised recommendations to fix risks and streamline operations.
- Bespoke Consultancy: practical, tailored advice on compliance, risk management, duty reliefs and operational efficiencies, delivered by specialists.
- Training: From foundations to advanced CDS and procedures, plus an externally certified Accredited Customs Clearance Agent pathway to raise standards across your team.
- Clearance: Access to a UK‑wide network of professionally qualified customs agents across the Chamber network.

If you’d like a quick, no‑obligation call to discuss your current setup and risks, message us here or email [email protected]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3fNVmpY0k4&t=1s

12/01/2026

📢 Tariff Updates You Need to Know

HMRC has published several changes already in 2026:
- New MFN rates added to end‑of‑year commodity codes
- Alignment updates + CHED changes
- Duty suspensions and fixes
Stay compliant, check the latest codes before lodging declarations.

👉 https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/news/years/2026

08/01/2026

Don’t Let Compliance Be the One That Got Away! 🎣

The UK seafood industry is facing a critical deadline: Today, 8th January, marks the start of new EU Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing regulations. These changes require exporters to provide additional data through the Fish Export Service, including details like catch certificates, gear type, and transport information. Without this, consignments risk delays or outright rejection at the border.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has launched the Fish, Trace, Ship campaign to help businesses prepare, offering step-by-step guides and templates. But compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about safeguarding your market access and avoiding costly disruptions.

At ChamberCustoms, we understand that navigating regulatory changes can feel like swimming against the tide. That’s why our Clearance, Consultancy, and Training services are designed to keep your business afloat.

Don’t get caught out, prepare now and keep your supply chain flowing smoothly. Talk to us today to make sure your compliance is shipshape!

https://ow.ly/SYYi50XTnZg