The UK Government has launched a consultation on new trading rules for developing countries, which is currently known as the UK Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP).

The proposed Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) would apply to 70 qualifying countries currently and include improvements such as lower tariffs and simpler rules of origin requirements for countries exporting to the UK. The countries include major sourcing markets for fashion and textiles including India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.

UKFT will be making a submission on behalf of the UK fashion and textile industry. Get in touch at info@ukft.org to give us your views.

“The UK currently operates a similar scheme rolled over from the EU, but as an independent trading nation can now take a simpler, more generous, pro-growth approach to trading with developing countries,” said the Department for International Trade. “The proposed new UK scheme will mean more opportunity and less bureaucracy for developing countries, for example by simplifying rules of origin requirements for the least developed nations.”

The consultation on the UK’s new scheme seeks the view of all sectors of society, including businesses, the public, civil society groups, consumers, associations, partner governments and any other interested stakeholders.

Views will also be sought from businesses and stakeholders with an interest across the globe.

In particular, the consultation is looking for views on:

• rules of origin requirements for least developed countries (LDCs)
• reducing tariffs for low income and lower-middle income countries
• the approach to goods graduation, which suspends reduced rates on some goods
• the conditions and reporting requirements for low or lower-middle income countries

The new UK preferences scheme (the Developing Countries Trading Scheme) will take effect in 2022.

The deadline for submissions is 11:45pm on 12 September 2021.

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