Customs & regulation
Trade agreements, preference schemes and customs rule changes that affect what UK importers pay at the border.
What you pay at the UK border depends on more than the price of the goods. Trade agreements, preference schemes like the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, and changes to customs rules can move the duty on a product from 12% to zero, or the other way.
Here we explain the changes that matter to businesses importing from Asia and the Gulf, what they mean in practice, and what to do about them.
Latest in customs & regulation
Customs & regulation
Bangladesh keeps duty-free UK access for three years after LDC graduation The UK has confirmed Bangladesh will keep its current duty-free access for three years after leaving LDC status, with garment rules of origin relaxed.
Customs & regulation
Everything you need to know about the Developing Countries Trading Scheme How the UK DCTS cuts import duty on goods from 65 developing countries: the three tiers, rules of origin, proof of origin and how to claim it.
Customs & regulation
How to make sure your goods are declared correctly at UK ports What every UK import declaration must get right, the mistakes that cause delays and penalties, and how to fix an error after clearance.
Customs & regulation
The UK–India trade agreement is now in force. What it means for UK businesses The UK–India trade agreement took effect on 15 July 2026. What changes for UK importers and exporters, and how to claim lower duty.
Useful guides
Practical step-by-step guides from our customs and freight team.
How-to guides
Can I import small cargo from China? Yes, here's how Importing a few cartons or a pallet from China: courier, air freight and sea part load compared, with timings, charges and paperwork.
How-to guides
Full container or part load? How to choose When a full container (FCL) is cheaper than groupage (LCL), the 15 cubic metre rule of thumb, and the other things that should decide it.
How-to guides
How to export from the UK: a step-by-step guide How to export goods from the UK: EORI, commodity codes, licences, Incoterms, export declarations, proof of origin and VAT zero-rating.
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