ITC launches handbook on legal requirements for SMEs exporting to UK

In a move to empower Ghanaian women entrepreneurs, the International Trade Centre (ITC) has launched a  handbook designed to guide women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in navigating the complexities of exporting cosmetic products to the UK.

Co-developed with Sidley Austin LLP under the Emerging Enterprises Pro Bono Program, and supported by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) as part of the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, the handbook aims to simplify the legal and regulatory landscape for these businesses.

According to the Trade Advisor for West Africa at the British High Commission, Miss Victoria Allard, "This handbook provides a clear roadmap for our women-led SMEs, helping them overcome the barriers they often face in accessing international markets."

She revealed this in her address at the opening of a two-day workshop aimed at empowering women-led cocoa-processing SMEs in Accra.

Focusing primarily on the cosmetics sector, the handbook serves as a vital resource for understanding key regulatory requirements such as business registration, licenses, and authorizations. It also delves into the essentials of preparing for export, including terms of sales contracts and product classifications.

Most notably, it offers insights on how to take advantage of lower tariffs under the UK-Ghana Interim Trade Partnership Agreement, which promises immediate duty-free, quota-free access for Ghanaian goods. This section details how to prepare origin declarations that meet the rules of origin criteria.

It also addresses the technical regulations SMEs must adhere to when entering the UK market, covering restrictions on certain ingredients, intellectual property rights, and requirements for packaging and labeling. It also touches upon voluntary certifications, value-added tax, customs procedures, and transport logistics, providing a well-rounded guide for entrepreneurs.

To enhance usability, the handbook includes relevant links for accessing technical requirements specific to cosmetic exports. While primarily aimed at the cosmetics sector, many sections can be beneficial for other sectors, particularly concerning tariff advantages and pre-export requirements.

This invaluable resource, published in Geneva in August 2024, is a forward-looking tool that not only addresses current regulations but also prepares businesses for future changes. "We strongly encourage women entrepreneurs to utilize this handbook fully and seize the opportunities it presents," the representative urged, highlighting printed copies available for attendees.