Forthcoming Event

Free Trade Agreements & Tariffs

10/06/2026

Event Time: 09:30 - 12:30

Event Theme: International Trade

Price: Member Rate: £75.00 +VAT | Non Member Rate: £150.00 +VAT

Event Location:

Surrey Chambers of Commerce
Block E, Dukes Court
Duke Street
Woking
Surrey
GU21 5BH


Course Overview:

This half-day course is designed to provide UK exporters and importers with a thorough understanding of global Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and tariffs which affect international trade. Participants will learn about how UK FTAs and tariffs can significantly impact SMEs.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the current UK and global FTA landscape
  • Learn how to identify and utilise FTAs for duty/tariff benefits
  • Gain practical knowledge on origin rules and documentation
  • Be aware of upcoming changes in 2026 and how to prepare

Course Delivery:
 
  • Duration: Half-day (3.5 hours, including breaks).
  • Format: In-person.
  • Materials Provided: Course slide handout.
  • Includes: Group discussions, Q&A sessions.
  • Regulations: All courses will include the latest regulatory changes made by the UK government.
  • Agenda subject to change

Target Audience:
 
  • Export Managers and Coordinators
  • Import Managers and Coordinators
  • Trade Compliance Officers
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Professionals
  • SME Owners involved in international trade

Schedule:

09:00 - 09:30 | Registration and Networking
 
  • Participants arrive, register, and have an opportunity to network with peers.
09:30 - 09:45 | Introduction and Course Objectives
 
  • Welcome and introductions.
  • Overview of course objectives and agenda.
09:45 - 10:15 | Tariffs explained – What SMEs need to know
 
  • What are FTAs? Overview and purpose
  • Types of FTAs: Bilateral, regional, multilateral
  • The UK's trade policy approach
  • Key FTAs currently in force for UK businesses (e.g., UK-EU, UK-Australia, CPTPP, UK-India)
10:15 - 11:00 | Rules of Origin and Documentation
 
  • Key concept: Preferential vs non-preferential origin
  • Cumulation and origin requirements under FTAs
  • Statement on origin vs certificate of origin
  • Practical walkthrough of origin documentation
11:00 - 11:15 | Coffee Break

11:15 - 11:45 | How to Maximise Benefits under FTAs
 
  • Real-world examples: Cost savings through FTAs
  • Trade planning: Matching products with FTAs
  • Supplier declarations and origin evidence
  • Common errors SMEs make and how to avoid them
11:45 - 12:15 | Key FTAs and Developments in 2026
 
  • New or updated FTAs coming into effect
  • Strategic markets for UK SMEs (e.g., CPTPP, India, GCC)
  • Regulatory updates: Digital trade, services, sustainability clauses
  • Navigating complexity: Tools and help for SMEs
12:15 - 12:30 | Conclusion and Wrap-Up
 
  • Recap of key points covered.
  • Future International Trade courses from Surrey Chambers of Commerce.

Instructor:

Linda Bazant LLB (Hons) Barrister and Member of The Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade.


By the end of this half-day course, participants will have a practical understanding of global Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and tariffs as they affect UK businesses enabling them to ensure compliance, reduce delays, and streamline their international trade operations.



MEMBER DISCOUNT: Book one attendee and receive 50% off each additional booking!

To book under this discount, please email export@surrey-chambers.co.uk.

Exclusively available to members of Surrey Chambers. Discount applies to additional attendees from the same company only.

 

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