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Government Updates

US Tariffs 


Information 

Government has a dedicated US tariffs page on great.gov.uk, featuring information on the tariffs, the list of exemptions, and links to resources such as the Check duties and customs procedures for exporting goods tool.   

Do bear in mind, however, that the duty checker will not necessarily reflect the complexities of tariffs where goods will be primarily manufactured elsewhere before being exported from the UK to the USA. 

A good will need to be substantially transformed in the UK to potentially be able to avail of the UK reciprocal tariff rate. Only the USCBP (US Customs and Border Protection) can determine what level of transformation is acceptable to them – unfortunately, Government is not in a position to provide guidance here. 

If you have specific queries, please reach out to DBT’s Export Support Service here. 
There are also webinars being offered by the Export Academy, including this one on 28 April: https://www.great.gov.uk/export-academy/events/us-tariffs-practical-impacts-and-explanations-28-april-2025/

Reminders 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us to share any impact of the US tariffs on your business/industry. We are very happy to speak to you/members. 

A kind reminder that, to inform Government’s response to the imposition of tariffs, the Request for Input I previously shared with you will close on 1 May 2025 for businesses to share their views on the situation and the impact it is having. 

Further announcements and Calls for Evidence: 
Government cuts price of everyday items and summer essentials 
The Government has cut prices on the imports of everyday essentials like spices and juices to boost economic growth. 
First published. 

Government steps in to back British business in changing world
The Chancellor announces a multi-billion-pound increase in government-backed financing. 
First published. 
  
£121 million boost for quantum technology set to tackle fraud, prevent money laundering and drive growth The UK government is investing £121 million in quantum technology to tackle crime, fraud, and money laundering, while reinforcing its global leadership in the field and driving economic savings. 
First published. 

Review of the effectiveness and impact of the UK’s Subsidy Control Act: call for inputs We’re seeking views on the effectiveness and impact of the UK’s Subsidy Control Act, in undertaking its monitoring function. 
First published. 

Designated standards 

Designated standards: PPE 
Notices of publication and a consolidated list for designated standards for personal protective equipment (PPE). 
Notice of publication amended and consolidated list updated. 

Regulations, Compliance, Procurement, and reporting requirements 

General product safety regulations: Northern Ireland
Guidance for businesses on Regulation 2023/988. 
Factsheet extended to include a quick way to check the obligations of your business and four case studies, and detailed guidance updated to clarify the scope of the regulations and the exemptions 

EU Regulation: Updated Guidance Document for Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products | Environment 
Updated guidance on EU Deforestation Regulation published by the EC on 15 April. 

Goods Movement

Communications resources to help you move goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland 
Information and resources to help businesses get ready for the Windsor Framework changes. 
Published link to video about preparing to send parcels from Great Britain to Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework. 

Trade, investment, and export support

UK/Turkey: Free Trade Agreement [TS No.24/2025] 
This treaty was presented to Parliament in April 2025. 
First published. 

Sanctions 

Who is subject to financial sanctions in the UK? 
A guide to the current consolidated list of asset freeze targets, and a list of persons named in relation to financial and investment restrictions under the Russia regulations 

HM Treasury Notice, Iran, 14/04/2025 added. 
HM Treasury Notice, Global Anti-Corruption, 14/04/25 added. 
HM Treasury Notice, Russia, 14/04/25 added. 

HMRC updates 

Get help with a tax issue as a mid-sized business 
Use this service to ask the HMRC Mid-sized Business Customer Support Team or a temporary Customer Compliance Manager for help if you’re a mid-sized business. 
Added information about requesting a temporary Customer Compliance Manager for help with tax 

Working with insolvency practitioners
How to contact and get help from HMRC’s voluntary arrangements service for businesses and individuals in temporary financial difficulties. 
The Voluntary arrangement service contact telephone number has been updated for ‘Company Voluntary Arrangements ― supporting businesses’. 

Sustainability, Resources and Waste, including EPR (packaging) 

UK boosts support for a blue economy in the Philippines
The UK launched the Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition (COAST) programme, a key component of the UK’s £500 million Global Blue Planet Fund. 
First published. 

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