August Highlights – Your Monthly Roundup from IFS

Hope you’ve all had a brilliant August! As summer holidays end and business picks up, we’ve got important updates that could impact your shipping and trade operations: 
 

🏭 European Manufacturing Back in Full Swing

Great news! The traditional August manufacturing shutdown across Italy, Spain, Portugal, and other Mediterranean countries has ended. Factories and logistics services are resuming full operations after the annual pause that typically sees very limited freight services.
Expect lead times to normalise and capacity to increase as manufacturers work through backlogs. If you’ve experienced delays from European suppliers, September should see regular scheduling return. Our team is ready to help catch up on delayed shipments. 

🇺🇸 Major US De Minimis Changes – Impact for UK Exporters

The $800 de minimis threshold was completely removed on August 29th, affecting virtually all UK businesses exporting lower-value goods to America.
Key Changes:

• Previously: Exports under $800 (£590) entered duty-free under simplified process
• Now: All exports face tariffs, duties, customs charges, and enhanced data requirements

Technical Details:

• Non-Postal: Must use ACE system filing by qualified parties
• Postal: Subject to IEEPA tariffs via ad valorem duty (product value-based) or specific duty ($80-$200 per item)
• Temporary Option: Specific duty available until February 28, 2026
• Exemptions: Donations and informational materials remain duty-free
• Requirements: Carriers need active bonds; qualified parties need importation/entry bonds

We’re here to help navigate these new requirements and tariff calculation methods.
 

📈 HMRC Customs Procedures Enhanced

HMRC increased application limits from 3 to 10 times per 12-month period for:

• Outward Processing: Goods exported for repair/processing
• Inward Processing: Imported goods requiring processing/repair
• Importing for Specific Uses: Aerospace, shipworks, fisheries
• Authorisation by Declaration: Special procedures under £500,000

Additional updates include enhanced Temporary Admission time limits and simplified processes. These changes provide significantly more flexibility while maintaining compliance standards. 
 

🎪 Meet Us at Autumn Fair 2025

Hooper & Co is offering free 20-minute Export Clinics at Autumn Fair! Get expert advice on US tariffs, customs compliance, Free Trade Agreements, CBAM, and supply chain improvements.
Details: Monday 8th September, Hall 7, Stand F46-G47 (GA Stand), NEC Birmingham. Book your slot here
 

🎤 Trade Summit Reminder

We’ll be at the West Midlands International Trade Summit on Friday 12th September at University of Warwick. IFS and Hooper & Co will have stands at the event, and our Director David Hooper will be speaking.
Come chat about your freight and international trade needs!


As we head into September, we’re monitoring all developments closely. With European manufacturing restarting and various regulatory changes, it’s been eventful! Looking forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

Please contact us with any questions about these updates or for assistance with your freight requirements.

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