As we bring 2024 to a close, at Alinea Customs we know this year has been another momentous time for traders in the UK, culminating with milestones during December. With the EU General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) coming into effect on 13 December, placing new responsibilities on British companies exporting to the EU and the UK acceding to the Comprehensive Progressive Transpacific Partnership (CPTPP) on 15 December, joining the fastest growing trading bloc in the global economy, British exporters and importers face a mixed bag of new opportunities to diversify supply chains while coping with the complexities arising from these new regulations and agreements.
2024 has presented supply chains with numerous challenges such as rapid inflation, geopolitical instability and extreme weather events. Compounding these issues were the ever-rising freight costs, due to the majority of shipping lines moving goods from Asia and the Middle East to Europe choosing to bypass the Bab-El-Mandeb straits and sail via the Cape of Good Hope; the restructuring of major industry players; and the ongoing push for decarbonisation requiring investment in new technology.
As a result, we expect that 2025 will bring new opportunities and developments as we leverage the benefits of free trade agreements and adapt to further integration of smart tools and technologies that support the supply chain and make it more sustainable and resilient.
The value of UK total trade in the first 12 months to the end of September 2024 was of £1,736.4 billion and customs declarations are a mandatory requirement to move goods across borders. At Alinea Customs, we have worked with a number of clients across industries, including fashion and luxury, food and beverages, packaging, design and engineering among others, providing customs clearance at ports across the UK. Our clients benefit from same-day clearance and dedicated support.
In 2025, we are moving our office to Dowgate Hill House, two minutes from Cannon Street Station, City of London. We are also expanding our team, bringing on additional expert consultants to continue assisting you in navigating the complexities of global supply chains, and in accessing the benefits of international trade deals, and international trade policies through compliant documentation, up-to-date advice and UK customs training where necessary.
Sending our warmest wishes for the forthcoming year – we look forward to working with you in 2025!
