Please note that our usual phone lines will be unavailable on Thursday 26 March for scheduled maintenance.
During this time please contact us using our contact forms on our website.
Our phone lines should return to normal service on Friday 27 March.

Imports Advisory Practice

The world of international trade can present importers with significant challenges. The need to navigate regulations, master technology and ensure efficient supply chains is imperative.

That’s why the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade has set up a dedicated Imports Advisory Practice to support UK importers.

Independent import advisors to complement your teams

The Chartered Institute provides objective and unbiased advice so you can manage risks and identify opportunities more efficiently. Our advisors meticulously study regulatory changes and stay abreast of technical advances in import processes. This means they can support you with an objective perspective that equips you with complementary, flexible and specialist expertise.

Specialist import expertise for

Manufacturers

Retailers, wholesalers

Distributors

Food and drink

We know your challenges

We know your pain points because we’ve lived them. We’ve also helped many organisations with import challenges similar to your own. Here are some examples of ways we can help with your import challenges:

Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) guidance - we’ll help you through documentation requirements, customs declarations and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks.
Inward processing - we’ll support your applications to inward processing reliefs to manage cashflow and optimise your supply chains.
Simplified Customs Declaration Procedures (SCDP) applications - we’ll assist you in submitting your application and implementing the required procedures.
Digital Trade - We will guide you through the digital transformation of your supply chain.

Meet your practice lead

Ilona is a customs specialist with over eight years of expertise in import operations and customs compliance. She is skilled in managing import processes, conducting customs and broker invoice audits, and developing policies to streamline cross-border trade.

With a focus on the MENAT and EMEA regions, Ilona has successfully navigated complex import regulations and assessed their impact on business operations. Currently, she serves as a digital trade and customs specialist, contributing to key initiatives such as BTOM and the UK 2025 Border Strategy, where she navigates projects around disruptive technologies to optimize import processes and global trade facilitation.

Our three levels of service

Navigating customs is complex, so our Advisory Practice is here to make it simpler. Whether you need immediate advice, operational support or strategic guidance, we offer tailored services to meet your particular needs.

1. International Trade Surgery

Get fast answers to your most pressing trade compliance questions in a focused session lasting up to two hours.

Up to two hours over the phone
Quick, practical solutions
Bespoke for your business needs

2. Health Check

A comprehensive review of your trade operations to uncover compliance gaps and present actionable recommendations.

A one-day assessment, virtual or on-site
Review of workflows and documentation
Recommendations in a written report

3. Strategic Insights Advisory

Get high-level guidance and long-term strategic solutions with our Strategic Insights Advisory, the premier offering from our Advisory Practices.

Bespoke advice
Market insights to inform strategic decisions
Executive-level guidance on compliance

Advisory

Specialist import services

Inward and outward processing

Save money and avoid unnecessary duty payments with applications support for inward and outward processing.

Optimise duty payments
Receive Inward and outward processing application support
Sharpen competencies in post-authorisation processes

SCDP authorisation

Simplified Customs Declaration Procedures can make your international trading more efficient and simpler. Our experts will support your application.

Build competence in SCDP applications
Learn how to implement SCDP procedures
Understand simplified frontier and supplementary declarations

BTOM advisory

Our experts will help you understand your obligations under the the UK's Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) for agricultural goods.

Equip teams with import pre-notification requirements knowledge
Develop capabilities to use IPAFFS and TRACES
Understanding risk classification of your goods

Enquire now

To find out more about our Imports Advisory Practice please complete this form. We'll be in touch to discuss your needs.

Please note that our usual phone lines will be unavailable on Thursday 26 March for scheduled maintenance.

During this time please contact us using our contact forms on our website. Our phone lines should return to normal service on Friday 27 March.

📞 New enquiries

Interested in our services or looking to join.

+44 (0)1733 404 410

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-4pm (excl. bank holidays).

👥 Central office

Renewals, payments, support with your account or services.

+44 (0)1733 404 400

Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4pm (excl. bank holidays).

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Imports Advisory Practice

Independent import advisors to complement your teams