International Trade News for September 2025
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Cross-border trade is entering a critical phase where compliance and foresight will define success. Retailers can no longer afford to treat regulation as background noise, it is fast becoming a big driver of competitive advantage. Our September edition focuses on this shift.
CROSS-BORDER ECOMMERCE NEWS
Export Control Joint Unit updates & training
On 12 September 2025 the UK government's Export Control Joint Unit published guidance and training materials to help exporters understand obligations under export control legislation.
Why it matters: Retailers exporting "controlled goods" (electronics, dual-use items, specialised components) need to monitor these updates for compliance or risk shipment delay, enforcement or licensing issues.
A new UK trade policy "stocktake"
Earlier this month, a UK Trade Policy Stocktake was published by ecipe.org, laying out the government's refreshed trade ambitions since Brexit, touching on trade relations with India, the US and the EU.
Why it matters: This shows directionality for exporters, as this could influence which markets might get preferential treatment, regulatory concessions or trade facilitation in coming months.
Digital Product Passport risk for EU exports
UK companies not prepared for the EU's Digital Product Passport (DPP) requirements risk losing access to the EU market. The European regulation mandating barcodes showing standardised product data comes into effect in 2027 but very few British exporters say they are fully prepared
Why it matters: For UK retailers exporting into the EU, this is a near-term compliance pressure and not "possible just future talk".
Source: The Times
