Yorkshire manufacturers are leading the way in innovation and diversification and international trade is thriving. It was a pleasure meeting so many of these market leaders at the Made in Yorkshire expo on Thursday 23rd May.
As reported in the Yorkshire press today eight Yorkshire-headquartered businesses have been named in the fifth annual Sunday Times WorldFirst SME Export Track 100 league table, which ranks Britain's small and medium-sized private companies with the fastest-growing international sales. It was a real pleasure learning about the exciting products being produced in our region and the relationships that are being developed around the globe.
We thought it would be useful to share some of the key topics that we discussed on the day with regards the logistics of transporting products overseas.
We have received our first overseas order – what do I need to consider to start exporting?
It all depends on your product and where you are exporting to but just a few things to consider:
- Check if there are any specific import/export regulations or documentation requirements in the country you are delivering to that you need to comply with. For example, do you require a certificate of origin or an export licence?
- What method of transport is going to be most suitable – air, sea or road? This will depend on the size of the item and agreed timescales with your client.
- How to package the goods and any other specific requirements i.e. are they classified as dangerous/hazardous goods? Has any wooden packaging been heat treated to ISPM15 standards?
- Which incoterms have been agreed with your overseas customer? This will impact on whether you are responsible for providing a door to door service or just up to arrival at the closest airport or port.
As a manufacturer do I need AEO status?
To help ensure the smooth and fast tracked transportation of goods across customs borders, reducing the risk of delays, businesses can apply for an 'Authorised Economic Operator' (AEO) accreditation. It is globally recognised and businesses can apply in their own right however it is not essential. As long as your freight forwarder has this accreditation you as the exporter or importer will receive the same benefits by association.
To minimise the effect of Brexit on my imports/exports what preparations do we need to make?
HMRC are urging EU importers and exporters to become familiar with, and complete the appropriate paperwork for, three new programmes:
- Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI);
- Customs Declarations Service (CDS); and
- Transitional Simplified Import and Export Procedure (SIEP).
Being prepared will help reduce any implications and ensure that the transportation of their goods are not delayed.
What is the best way to transport hazardous good securely and safety?
The regulations governing the transport of dangerous goods are specified in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations by Air and IMO International Maritime Organization Regulations manuals. All hazardous goods are classified accordingly within these manuals and the rules explain in detail the quantities permitted to be carried in each package and the type of packing required. A dangerous goods note will also need to be completed by a trained individual. This can be the shipper in the UK or your freight forwarder. You should also remember that the requirements around the packaging and documentation of hazardous cargo are very specific and must be adhered to otherwise goods will be rejected.
I have large unconventional cargo to transport – what specific requirements do I need to make?
This sort of shipment requires a lot of careful planning. If you have large oversized goods to transport across the world you will more than likely require the services of a specialist project cargo team who will assist with all aspects of the movement. You may be required to charter aircraft or vessels to move the cargo. It is therefore important that you use someone that has the relevant experience and more importantly the right contacts. Site surveys, route planning, authority permissions and permits, vehicle escorts and crane lifts may need to be considered and everything project managed as timing is of the up most importance.
Do we have our own planes?
Unfortunately not! We don’t have our own fleet of planes but what we do have is an international network of airline agents that we work with on a daily basis.
If you have any further questions we can help you with please let us know - [email protected].