INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Don’t get stuck in customs

Your goods have somewhere to be. Whether you are sending goods to an established customer or entering a new international market, the right documentation and processes matter. Our award-winning team of 25 international trade experts can help you understand what is required, avoid unnecessary delays and identify opportunities to reduce costs through Free Trade Agreements. Explore our services...

Talk to one of our experts

Business West International Trade Services

  • Facilitated £1.6bn of trade through processing 18,000 documents
  • 25 international trade experts
  • One of the UK’s leading international trade service providers
  • Award-winning international trade team
  • Decades of experience
  • An authorised issuer of UK Certificates of Origin

Business West is an authorised issuing authority for UK Certificates of Origin, operating under the authority of the UK Government and following British Chambers of Commerce guidance.

The team are always very friendly and helpful. They respond quickly to any questions about customs documents and requirements.

International trade is full of opportunity – but getting the details wrong can be costly

  • Missing or incorrect documents can hold up a shipment.
  • An incorrect customs declaration can lead to additional checks, penalties or unexpected duty.
  • Using the wrong proof of origin can mean missing out on reduced duty rates.
  • Requirements can vary according to the goods, destination and terms of the sale.
  • Relying entirely on a freight forwarder does not remove the trader’s responsibility for providing accurate information.

The cost of getting advice or obtaining the right document is often small compared with the cost of a delayed shipment, storage charges or an unhappy customer.

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Keep your goods moving

  • Understand which documents are required.
  • Reduce the risk of delays and rejected paperwork.
  • Provide accurate information to customs agents and freight forwarders.
  • Give customers and overseas authorities greater confidence.
  • Get expert support when requirements are unclear.

Make international trade work harder for your business

  • Identify relevant Free Trade Agreements.
  • Explore opportunities to reduce import duties.
  • Check whether goods meet preferential origin rules.
  • Strengthen your evidence and compliance processes.
  • Become more competitive in overseas markets.

Expert help to get your goods where they need to be

Certificates of Origin

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Prove the origin of your goods and meet the requirements of overseas customers, banks and customs authorities.

  • UK and Arab-British Certificates of Origin (CofOs). EUR1s.
  •  Secure online applications.
  • Same-day turnaround available for standard documents.
  • Guidance from an experienced documentation team.
  • Easy online application process.

Find out more about CofOs

Customs and export documents

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Understand which documents are needed for your shipment and make sure the information provided is accurate and consistent.


This could cover:

  • Customs declarations.
  • Goods Movement References.
    • UK EUR1 Movement Certificates.
    • Commercial invoices.
    • Import certificates.
    • Dangerous Goods Notes.
    • Certificates of Value and Origin.

    The Business West team can help you identify which documents you need. Different documents perform different roles, and requirements can vary by market. Customs Documents

ATA CARNETS

Apply for an ATA Carnet today

Start creating and submitting your ATA Carnets today. To apply for your carnet, you'll be taken to our easy-to-use export documentation platform, eCert.

Why apply for an ATA Carnet?

ATA Carnets can be vital in saving time and money if you are temporarily taking goods out of the UK and into Countries that are signed up to the Carnet Scheme, and then re-importing them again. They can be used for: 

  • Professional equipment, such as sporting equipment and motorsports vehicles, broadcast equipment, goods for educational, scientific or cultural purposes, and manufacturing equipment.  
  • Commercial samples that you might want to take to show overseas customers or potential customers.  
  • Goods that you need for display or use at international trade fairs or exhibitions or meetings. 

Perishable and consumable goods cannot be used on a Carnet, such as food, disposable goods, explosives and agricultural products. Apply for an ATA Carnet now.

Check out our video below on how a Carnet can help

Who are we?

Business West, as Bristol Chamber of Commerce, has been assisting businesses across the UK with their export documentation for around 200 years. With thousands of satisfied customers choosing to use our services for their vital documentation, it’s no wonder we’re one of the leading Chambers of Commerce in the UK to help you with your exportation needs. We have an experienced team of 19 advisers and we ensure that you save money and time by guiding you through the ATA Carnet process, guaranteeing you and your goods get to where you need to be, as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

How can we help?

Whether you want to transport sporting equipment or take samples to overseas customers or exhibit at a trade fair, we can ensure you never have to pay duty at the time of import. If you want your goods to benefit from a streamlined customs clearance routine in over 80 countries, then use our fast, reliable and secure electronic ATA Carnet service today. 

Our ATA Carnet service includes:

  • Completion of all Carnet vouchers 
  • Simplification of customs procedures 
  • A team of Carnet specialists that provides a personalised service to support you when you travel 

If you have any questions about ATA Carnets and how they work simply contact a member of our team and we shall guide you through the online process. You can reach us on 01275 373373.