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New trade barriers service launched to help exporters

The Department for International Trade has launched a new digital service to help businesses understand trade barriers in different countries and identify new opportunities overseas.

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The ‘check for barriers to trading and investing abroad’ tool allows users to search for information on trade barriers which could restrict business in other countries. Examples could include over-complicated customs procedures, excessive labelling or packaging requirements, local government preferences for domestic or non-UK suppliers, subsidies or incentives that put UK businesses at a disadvantage, or potential risks to intellectual property.

The service sits alongside other existing digital tools such as ‘report a trade barrier’ and ‘check how to export goods’. Users will also be able to see where barriers have been removed and where there are potential areas of growth for their products or services.

In a statement, the government said the new tool was was specifically created to make it easier for British businesses to seize new international opportunities.

Ranil Jayawardena, Minister for International Trade, said:

“I have spent much of the past year speaking to British businesses of all sizes – hearing of their determination to bounce back bigger, better and bolder out of COVID-19. This new service will help businesses across Britain to identify potential new markets and seize the new opportunities that come with becoming an independent trading nation, boosting jobs and growth in every corner of the country.

“I am committed to doubling down on tackling trade barriers, so that we can add to the 175 barriers across 61 countries we have already removed and make it easier for our great British businesses to trade globally.”

Last October, the Department for International Trade launched a new Export Growth Plan as part of a series of government measures to encourage businesses to seek export opportunities across the world.

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