Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade
(): On 19 June 2023 the
Developing Countries Trading Scheme entered into force. A Written
Ministerial Statement announcing the Developing Countries Trading
Scheme and detailing proposed changes was issued on 6 September
2022 following the launch of the scheme by the former Trade
Secretary on 16 August.
The Developing Countries Trading Scheme provides generous access
to UK markets for 65 developing countries. The Scheme is an
important component of the Government’s efforts to maximise the
benefits of trade for developing countries. The scheme delivers
greater market access by cutting more tariffs, simplifying rules
so more goods qualify for duty free tariffs and enabling more
countries to have access to more generous tariffs.
Developing Countries Trading Scheme tariff rates offer tariffs
savings of over £770 million per year, helping to reduce prices
and increase choice for UK consumers, particularly for household
items such as clothes and food.
The UK’s approach to trade for development as set out in the
International Development Strategy is to combine generous market
access with Aid for Trade and advocacy at the WTO to increase
trade with developing countries. By championing free, fair and
inclusive trade, the UK maximises the benefits of trade for
developing countries whilst building resilient supply chains and
markets for the future for the benefit of the UK.
The Developing Countries Trading Scheme represents a marked
increase in UK market access for developing countries, in
particular for 37 Least Developed Countries. When combined with
our network of 8 Economic Partnership Agreements, the new Scheme
means that the UK now offers duty free or nearly duty free trade
in goods to over 90 developing countries.
In addition to this, the UK has spent over £830m on Aid for Trade
since 2015, delivering major impact in beneficiary countries by
addressing burdensome regulations & delays at customs,
increasing the role of women in trade and supporting developing
countries to negotiate and implement trade agreements.
Changes to the UK’s trade preferences are possible because as an
independent trading nation we can go further and offer developing
countries one of the most generous sets of trade preferences in
the world, surpassing those of the EU and USA. Since its launch
the Developing Countries Trading Scheme has received widespread
praise in developing countries and at the WTO.
Further information on the Developing Countries Trading Scheme
can be found here: Trading with developing nations
- GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)(opens in a new tab). A series of
detailed guides has been developed alongside an interactive tool
which provides product or country specific information on tariffs
and rules of origin. Digital guides make it easier for businesses
to understand and use the scheme.
Developing Countries Trading Scheme regulations can be found at
these links:
