Forthcoming Event

Free Trade Agreements and Tariffs

16/07/2025

Event Time: 09:30 - 12:30

Event Theme: International Trade

Price: Member Rate: £75.00 +VAT | Non Member Rate: £125.00 +VAT

Event Location:

Surrey Chambers of Commerce
Block E, Dukes Court
Duke Street
Woking
Surrey
GU21 5BH


Course Overview:

This half-day course is designed to provide UK exporters and importers with a thorough understanding of global Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and tariffs which affect international trade. Participants will learn about how UK FTAs and tariffs can significantly impact SMEs.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the current UK and global FTA landscape
  • Learn how to identify and utilise FTAs for duty/tariff benefits
  • Gain practical knowledge on origin rules and documentation
  • Be aware of upcoming changes in 2025 and how to prepare
Course Delivery:
 
  • Duration: Half-day (3.5 hours, including breaks).
  • Format: In-person.
  • Materials Provided: Course slide handout.
  • Includes: Group discussions, Q&A sessions.
  • Regulations: All courses will include any regulatory changes made from July 2025 by the UK government.
  • Agenda subject to change
Target Audience:
 
  • Export Managers and Coordinators
  • Import Managers and Coordinators
  • Trade Compliance Officers
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Professionals
  • SME Owners involved in international trade

Schedule:

09:00 - 09:30 | Registration and Networking
 
  • Participants arrive, register, and have an opportunity to network with peers.
09:30 - 09:45 | Introduction and Course Objectives
 
  • Welcome and introductions.
  • Overview of course objectives and agenda.
09:45 - 10:15 | Tariffs explained – What SMEs need to know
 
  • What are FTAs? Overview and purpose
  • Types of FTAs: Bilateral, regional, multilateral
  • The UK's trade policy approach
  • Key FTAs currently in force for UK businesses (e.g., UK-EU, UK-Australia, CPTPP, UK-India)
10:15 - 11:00 | Rules of Origin and Documentation
 
  • Key concept: Preferential vs non-preferential origin
  • Cumulation and origin requirements under FTAs
  • Statement on origin vs certificate of origin
  • Practical walkthrough of origin documentation
11:00 - 11:15 | Coffee Break

11:15 - 11:45 | How to Maximise Benefits under FTAs
 
  • Real-world examples: Cost savings through FTAs
  • Trade planning: Matching products with FTAs
  • Supplier declarations and origin evidence
  • Common errors SMEs make and how to avoid them
11:45 - 12:15 | Key FTAs and Developments in 2025
 
  • New or updated FTAs coming into effect
  • Strategic markets for UK SMEs (e.g., CPTPP, India, GCC)
  • Regulatory updates: Digital trade, services, sustainability clauses
  • Navigating complexity: Tools and help for SMEs
12:15 - 12:30 | Conclusion and Wrap-Up
 
  • Recap of key points covered.
  • Future International Trade courses from Surrey Chambers of Commerce.

Instructor:

Linda Bazant LLB (Hons) Barrister and Member of The Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade.


By the end of this half-day course, participants will have a practical understanding of global Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and tariffs as they affect UK businesses enabling them to ensure compliance, reduce delays, and streamline their international trade operations.



TRAIN MORE, SAVE MORE: Book one attendee and receive 50% off each additional booking.

To book under this discount, please email Giorgia.Burgess@surrey-chambers.co.uk.

Discount applies to additional attendees from the same company only.

 

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