UKFT has published a new Guide to the UK’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for UK fashion and textile companies in light of the UK’s exit from the European Union (Brexit). This is available to UKFT members. For more details on membership read more here or contact info@ukft.org

About the UK’s GSP

The GSP scheme means that UK importers pay lower (often 0%) tariffs on imports of fashion and textiles from around 70 developing countries.

The UK government has recently introduced the UK GSP. This replicates in almost every detail the
previous EU GSP regime. There are small adjustments to specific tariffs as the UK’s GSP is based on the new UK Global Tariff. In addition, Cambodia is covered by the UK’s GSP but has been excluded from the EU’s GSP scheme.

There are 3 frameworks within the UK GSP:
1. Least Developed Countries (LDC’s) – this provides duty free access for all fashion and textile products from the 47 countries that are defined as LDCs by the United Nations. LDCs include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal and Myanmar.
2. The General Framework – this reduces tariffs on products imported from Low-income and lower-middle income countries, including Vietnam*.
3. The Enhanced Framework – this provides reduced tariffs on specific product lines from 8 specific countries, including Pakistan.

*The UK and Vietnam have signed an FTA however GSP arrangements remain in place for the transition period.

The UKFT Guide covers:

• How to Claim preferential tariffs under UK GSP
• Moving GSP goods to or from the EU/UK
• Regional cumulation
• Reviewing the UK GSP (including country graduation, goods graduation and the introduction of new trade arrangements)

UKFT Brexit Guidance for the UK fashion and textile industry

UKFT has been working very closely with the UK government during all the negotiations with the EU. We know and understand how the UK-EU TCA will impact on UK fashion and textile businesses and we can help and advise companies on how to develop new strategies to ensure they can continue to trade successfully with the EU and the rest of the world.

Downloadable documents for members (published or updated in January 2021) include:

• UKFT Brexit Guidance Toolkit
• UKFT Guide to ATA Carnets
• UKFT Guide to Rules of Origin for Trading with the EU
• UKFT Guide to Garment Labelling in the EU post Brexit
• UKFT Guide to the UK’s GSP
• UKFT Guide to the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement
• UKFT Guide to the UK-Japan Free Trade Agreement
• UKFT Guide to the UK-Canada CETA Free Trade Agreement
• UKFT Guide to the UK-Turkey Free Trade Agreement

UKFT BREXIT GUIDANCE