Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what support the Government is providing to UK charities facing difficulties in exporting second-hand clothing to the EU under rules of origin requirements.

The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) ensures there will be zero tariffs or quotas on trade between the UK and the EU, where goods meet the relevant rules of origin. Rules of origin are a standard feature of trade agreements and serve to protect UK industry from unfair competition by ensuring that products from third countries cannot unduly benefit from the TCA.

The Government has always been clear that leaving the Single Market and Customs Union will result in new customs processes for businesses trading with the EU, and this also applies for charities exporting clothes. The rules of origin in the TCA were developed in close consultation with stakeholders to reflect the needs of UK-EU supply chains, and those agreed for the textiles and clothing sectors are in line with the most liberal precedents found in other FTAs the EU has agreed, ensuring as many UK exports as possible can meet them and benefit from zero tariffs. However, there will necessarily be some circumstances where goods do not satisfy rules of origin requirements. The Government is working closely with businesses and other organisations to ensure that they understand any new requirements, and it has published detailed guidance.

For goods that do not meet rules of origin requirements, depending on the goods’ circumstances, businesses may be able to use existing reliefs in place to ease trade between the UK and EU. The Government understands that the EU, like the UK, provides for relief from customs duties on imports of humanitarian goods, irrespective of the TCA. Charities can find out more information on the EU’s procedures on its Europa.eu website and on those of its Member States.