Aided by a weak pound, an increase in UK exports have been a rare good story amid an anaemic recovery.
As manufacturers and exporters look to capitalise on this, we've highlighted some surprising customs regulations that could trip up SMEs on their path to growth.
Just getting products in the hands of customers can be fraught with complications but the game changes entirely if your next big export market happens to ban an import of your product.
Experts in international import and export from DHL Express International have highlighted some of the quirkiest customs regulations for SMEs to watch out for:
- Importation of dental products to Algeria are prohibited
- A licence is needed to import tents into Jordan
- Nigeria prohibits the importation of wheelbarrows and plastic flowers
- Artwork destined for Armenia can only be sent to companies, not individuals
Just because we live in a globalised world of international trade doesn’t mean that quirky customs won’t stop you getting your product to market
Phil Couchman, CEO of DHL Express UK and Ireland
- Maps are not allowed on diaries and GPS systems entering Argentina
- Matching pairs of shoes are not allowed to enter South Africa, Mexico or India
“Many customs regulations are based on local and political issues which can be difficult for a UK small business to anticipate and prepare for. For instance, Morocco bans the import of maps not complying with Moroccan border territory in the Sahara Desert,” says Phil Couchman, CEO of DHL Express UK and Ireland.
“Just because we live in a globalised world of international trade doesn’t mean that quirky customs won’t stop you getting your product to market. Not knowing these details could mean the difference between making a sale and winning in brand new markets.”
The importance of export markets for growing small businesses is not to be underestimated – especially where key growth markets are likely to be oversea. The current value of British trade is already in the hundreds of billions and research from DHL Express shows that half of SMEs currently exporting expect demand for their products to grow in the next six months.
DHL helps its small business customers navigate all levels of customs and regulation as well as relevant duty when doing business abroad.
