Greetings from the UK! We're Stowsafe Fulfilment, a 3PL based in southwest England. We offer fulfilment and storage solutions to a wide range of sectors both at home and abroad.

We thought it would be a good idea to give prospective international customers the lowdown on exporting to this sceptred isle, this precious stone set in a silver sea, this green and pleasant land – you know, the United Kingdom.

So we're launching a mini-series focusing on exports from different countries. First up, the USA.

The elephant on the trading floor

OK, before we go any further, there's something we need to address. No doubt you'll have seen in the news that the pound has fallen in value. We're currently experiencing a cost-of-living crisis – and forecasts aren't optimistic.

This doesn't, however, mean that trade with the UK is off the table. In fact, the weakened pound has some benefits for overseas businesses. Because of its effect on the exchange rate, goods and services in the UK are now cheaper to companies in other countries.

So while we have no desire to chase ambulances or look for silver linings in thunderheads, we do want to reassure you that now is a good time to export to the UK – and that we can help you when your goods get past British customs.

But before your goods get loaded onto a cargo ship or a plane, there's the small matter of paperwork to deal with.

What paperwork is needed when exporting from the USA to the UK?

Despite the longstanding "Special Relationship" between the two countries, there's no free passage between them as there once was between the UK and the EU. That means that boxes have to be ticked and declarations made.

Different sectors call for different documents, but the list may include:

• A bill of lading – the contract between you and the freight carrier.
• A commercial invoice.
• A packing list providing the exporter, the carrier and the consignee with information about the shipment.
• Sales control.
• A proforma invoice.
• An Automated Export System (AES) filing if your goods are valued at $2,500 or more.
• A customs declaration.
• An insurance policy.

Thankfully, domestic help is at hand to get you shipping with the right paperwork in place.

Which US body can help with exporting to the UK?

The US Commercial Service offers you expert export guidance – so any query about the exact red tape needed to get your goods to the UK can be directed to them.

Have you checked the Restricted Party List?

Restricted party lists (RPLs) – sometimes known as denied party lists (DPLs) – are official lists of organisations and individuals with whom trade is illegal. They exist to reduce your chances of selling goods to any firm involved in organised crime, terrorism or the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Before you export anything to the UK, you need to screen the receiver and make sure they're above board. This can either be done manually or with automated software. It's imperative to do so not only for reasons of morality but also for business reasons.

According to the US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), a failure to thoroughly screen the person or organisation you're selling to can lead to a fine of up to $1 million.

When in Rome, speak like a Roman

It's often been said that the United States and the UK are two countries separated by a common language – and this is something to bear in mind when writing product descriptions, packaging and other copy for a UK market.

You say fries, we say chips. You say chips, we say crisps. Frankly, it's amazing we understand each other at all.

Adjusting your vocabulary for a foreign market is part of a wider process of localisation. Do your goods meet UK regulations, for example? You don't have to be exporting jars of radioactive waste for this to be a concern – just look at the post-Brexit hoo-ha over chlorinated chicken.

Finally, you need to do your research into consumer habits and behaviours. A shopper in Birmingham, Alabama might make different choices from one in Birmingham, England – so you need to target your products appropriately.

If you can afford it, you might want to carry out some primary market research – if not, there are plenty of secondary data available online. Before you let your goods leave the warehouse, there are several things you need to know:



• What is there a demand for?
• What is an appropriate retail price? (Note: this is especially worth checking now that the pound is down.)
• What do locals consider to be an acceptable delivery time?
• What are the transport and warehousing costs?
• Who's your competition – what do they have in stock, what sort of prices do they have and what marketing do they use?

Attempting to penetrate a new market without this info is like entering a boxing ring without gloves. The more facts you're equipped with, the better your chances of success.

How can we help?

At Stowsafe, we have a 24,500-square-foot warehouse where we receive and store your goods. We pick, pack and dispatch on your behalf so you can get on with growing your business.

Our state-of-the-art warehouse management system updates your inventory in real time and provides you with rich, granular data.

Our services are flexible, scalable and accessible – so, even though there's a mighty ocean between us, you can keep your eye on your stock levels around the clock.

If you get your goods to us, we'll take it from there – looking after the last leg of the journey with local knowledge at our fingertips.

Interested? Take a look at our online fulfilment services and get in touch – we'd love to hear from you.