ChamberCustoms

🌍 Fun Trade Fact Friday!

Did you know that when the Apollo 11 astronauts returned from the Moon in 1969, they signed a US Customs declaration form?

Items: “Moon rock and moon dust samples.”
Routing: Cape Kennedy → Moon → Honolulu.

This wasn’t a legal requirement – it was a playful gesture by NASA, as the crew were quarantined for three weeks after return. So, no tariffs on lunar imports 🚀✨

Importing or exporting? Compliance isn’t optional - it’s a competitive advantage.
Getting customs right protects cash flow, avoids penalties and delays, and keeps goods moving.

It’s about:
- Accurate classification & valuation so duties and VAT are correct.
- Right documents, licences and data
- Using reliefs and procedures (IP, TA, transit) to legitimately reduce costs.
- Robust audit trails that stand up to HMRC scrutiny.

How ChamberCustoms can help

- Compliance & Health Check Audits: A deep‑dive review of your processes and declarations, with clear, prioritised recommendations to fix risks and streamline operations.
- Bespoke Consultancy: practical, tailored advice on compliance, risk management, duty reliefs and operational efficiencies, delivered by specialists.
- Training: From foundations to advanced CDS and procedures, plus an externally certified Accredited Customs Clearance Agent pathway to raise standards across your team.
- Clearance: Access to a UK‑wide network of professionally qualified customs agents across the Chamber network.

If you’d like a quick, no‑obligation call to discuss your current setup and risks, message us here or email [email protected]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3fNVmpY0k4&t=1s

📢 Tariff Updates You Need to Know

HMRC has published several changes already in 2026:
- New MFN rates added to end‑of‑year commodity codes
- Alignment updates + CHED changes
- Duty suspensions and fixes
Stay compliant, check the latest codes before lodging declarations.

👉 https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/news/years/2026