Following the successful launch of the first phase of the UK International Trade Single Window (ITSW) at the end of last year, the international trade theme on the Business Link website www.businesslink.gov.uk/internationaltrade (Link to an external site - Disclaimer 
) has attracted over 400,000 visits and is already providing information, advice and free tools to help reduce the complexity associated with importing or exporting.
Doug Tweddle, HMRC
During 2007 HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) took over the responsibility for this cross- government project. Doug Tweddle, Director Customs and International, remarked about the progress so far, "The availability of comprehensive, easy-to-understand information and guidance from across government is a significant achievement, and has been well received by UK businesses of all sizes, as well as recognised internationally as a progressive initiative."
An even more exciting phase is coming in early 2008 when an expert service designed for more experienced international traders will be launched, including 40 more information guides and additional logic tools. The service will also feature a free UK Online Tariff, which will give traders the opportunity to search for commodity codes and associated duties, VAT rates, quotas, country preferences, etc.... This new user-friendly and trader validated interface will be free, saving the current £250 subscription fee that businesses currently have to pay to use the Tariff.
The site's first transactional facilities are also due to be launched shortly. Applications for Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status through HMRC will be available on the Business Link website from September 2007. This will be followed in early 2008 by facilities to submit applications for Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Import & Export Licences to the Rural Payments Agency. Additionally, the introduction of Automatic Licence Verification (ALV), linking Government Importing and Exporting control systems, will further reduce the burdens to Business whilst providing significant benefits to Government.
Plans for the project do not end with these developments. The Phase Three business case, to establish viable transactional facilities, is already progressing, with Government and Trade requirements being gathered for the next stage of the project. Ways in which Phase Three can be funded are also currently being explored.
The ITSW is a collaboration between HMRC, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), with delivery through businesslink.gov.uk.
However, it has also received significant support from traders such as Alexander Technologies, leading supplier of replacement batteries and customised OEM power solutions. Tania Cooper, their Managing Director, commented, "As a business that deals heavily in international trade on both imports and exports, I was extremely pleased to see this initiative has been developed. I believe the level of simplification and harmonisation the single window programme provides will be extremely beneficial to our daily operations. Alexander supports the International Trade Single Window initiative and its aim of linking various parts of government information and simplifying the way business/ trade interacts with government."
Business groups have also backed the project as John Dunsmure, Managing Director at British Chambers of Commerce, explains, "The BCC is a strong advocate of international trade and the importance of simplifying regulation for small businesses in particular. We were delighted to support the International Trade Single Window project as it further helps with both of these issues. Businesses can get their hands on a lot of highly relevant information in one place from the many Government agencies and departments that they would otherwise have to approach individually. The ITSW will have a very positive impact on international trade."
You can find out more about the current services on offer through the Single Window at www.businesslink.gov.uk/internationaltrade (Link to an external site - Disclaimer ). SITPRO is also facilitating trader consultation on forthcoming work. Please contact Graham Bartlett (graham.bartlett@sitpro.org.uk 
) if you are interested in participating.
Article expanded for online publication
Return to SITPRO News: Issue 61, Summer 2007