Today in Trade & Enterprise –

EES border checks: operators finalise enrolment flows

Carriers and terminals are finalising biometric enrolment procedures ahead of wider adoption at EU external borders. Expect teething issues at high-volume crossings.

Source: Logistics UK (briefing)

CDS export guidance refreshed (Inventory Exports & data)

HMRC updated UK Trade Tariff: Volume 3 instructions for export declarations. Common rejection causes remain incorrect CPCs and missing data elements.

Source: GOV.UK – Tariff Vol.3 (CDS)

Planned weekend closures on M4 near Bristol

Final bridge works will close J18–J19 both directions over a weekend. Build in buffers and re-route time-critical loads.

Source: National Highways

IPAFFS reminder for composite POAO consignments

DEFRA guidance clarifies documentation & CN code coverage for composite products. Double-check certificate requirements before shipping.

Source: GOV.UK – IPAFFS

SME export support programmes open new application windows

Advisory & market-entry support available for early exporters. Use diagnostics evidence to strengthen bids.

Source: DBT – great.gov.uk

Goods exports: latest month shows mixed sectoral picture

Machinery & transport show resilience while chemicals soften. Watch EU demand and freight costs for next release.

Source: ONS – UK trade

HS codes date back to 1988

The Harmonized System unified tariff classifications globally, cutting documentation errors and smoothing customs processes.

How one micro-exporter scaled via marketplaces

Started with one SKU, validated demand on a single platform, then expanded once fulfilment & returns were stable.

Source: Case note

AI tools speed up origin & CPC checks

Structured prompts and automated look-ups reduce rework on CDS entries and CO documentation.

Source: Export Unlocked Diagnostics

Product pages: five must-haves for export

VAT notes, HS code hints, returns policy, delivery matrix and landed-cost messaging improve conversion & compliance.

Source: Best-practice guide

First EU shipment success via DAP

Switched from EXW to DAP to control carrier choice, labelling and data — fewer delays, happier buyer.

Source: Founder interview

Short video: Incoterms® 2020 in 5 minutes

Quick refresher on risk, cost and control — avoid defaulting to EXW/DDP without a plan.

Source: Export Unlocked video

Which CPC would you choose?

Scenario: temporary export for exhibition, returning within 60 days. (Answer in the forum thread!)

“Strategy is a pattern in a stream of decisions.”

— Henry Mintzberg. Build a repeatable export process, not one-off wins.