JaEtUKMany UK businesses with links to Jamaica, Ethiopia or other markets begin with a good idea and a lot of questions: what paperwork do I need, what duties apply, and who can answer something specific to my product? A sensible first step is to use official guidance before relying on second-hand advice.
Editorial note: this is general information. Trade rules, duties and support services change, so check current official pages before acting.
Start with the official routes
GOV.UK has a page for UK businesses that sell, or want to sell, goods or services abroad. It points to Business.gov.uk, which covers topics including exporting to new markets, the paperwork for selling goods abroad and the rules for services in a specific market. If you cannot find your answer there, the page says you can ask the export support team a question.
GOV.UK also links to other tools, including a way to check duties and customs procedures for exporting goods and help with researching export markets. The exact tools and wording on these pages can change, so it is worth reading the current versions rather than relying on summaries, including this one.
Prepare your question before you ask
A clear question gets a clearer answer. Before you contact anyone, write down:
- What you are selling. Be as specific as you can about the product or service, including how it is made or delivered.
- Where it is going. Name the country and, if relevant, how it will be sent.
- Who the buyer is. A consumer, a business or a public body may be subject to different requirements.
- What you have already checked. Note which official pages you have read so you do not repeat the basics.
- Your deadline. Replies may take time, so allow for that in your planning.
Check each market separately
Requirements for one destination do not automatically apply to another. Even where a business is interested in several markets, such as Jamaica and Ethiopia, it is worth researching each one separately: the rules, the customs process and the practical logistics may all differ. Treat any statement you hear informally, including at events or on social media, as a prompt to check the official source.
Keep your own records
Note the date you read each page and keep a copy of any written answer you receive. If rules change, your records will show what you relied on at the time. Where a decision is material, such as a large order or a new supplier, consider taking professional advice from a qualified adviser.
Do your own checks
Official guidance tells you about rules, not about whether a particular buyer or supplier is right for you. As with any new commercial relationship, make your own enquiries before you commit.
Where JaEtUK fits
JaEtUK is building a directory of businesses in Jamaica and Ethiopia alongside travel links for those connecting with the UK. It is a place to start looking, not a replacement for official guidance or your own due diligence.
Sources: GOV.UK, Ask the export support team (gov.uk/ask-export-support-team).