Free Trade Agreements and Tariffs

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.