Keep up to date with the latest government announcements impacting UK businesses. This update highlights important policy changes, trade developments and regulatory news relevant to the giftware and retail sectors.

US Tariffs

A reminder that there is some helpful information here to support businesses exporting to the USA with the removal of the US De Minimis:

Changes to US import rules for low-value shipments from the UK

Please also see here for the Royal Mail USA-related website and the service they have launched to support businesses: Important information about changes to the export of goods to the USA | Royal Mail Group Ltd

Please continue to share your concerns about/ impacts of US tariffs on your business/industry with us. We appreciate that impacts may be indirect. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at retailandconsumergoods@businessandtrade.gov.uk

Announcements and Calls for Evidence:

New agency chair appointed to crack down on minimum wage underpayment and worker exploitation
Matthew Taylor to lead Government’s new Fair Work Agency from April 2026.

First published.

Pro-growth package unshackling Britain to get building
Pro-growth changes to the government’s landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill to get Britain building faster.

First published.

Building Digital UK to be integrated with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Building Digital UK will be integrated into the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 1 November 2025. 

First published.

Ministerial letter on cyber security to leading UK companies
Ministers and security chiefs have written to leading UK companies about cyber security.

First published.

British travellers told to expect checks under EU’s Entry-Exit System
Travellers to Europe, including Brits, subject to new entry registrations from today under a phased implementation of the EU’s new digital border system.

First published.

Applying Environment Act 2021 civil sanctions

We want your views on a proposed update to the Environment Agency’s enforcement and sanctions policy.

Added the consultation response document.

Industrial Strategy quarterly update: July to September 2025

An update on delivery of commitments in the Industrial Strategy.

First published.

Reforming the licensing system

Seeking views and evidence to develop a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system under the Licensing Act 2003.

First published.

Prime Minister embarks on first major trade mission to India
125 of the UK’s most prominent CEOs, leading entrepreneurs, university Vice Chancellors and cultural institutions will join the Prime Minister on a trade mission to India.

First published.

Water resources planning guideline update
We want your feedback on the Environment Agency’s proposed update of the water resources planning guideline for England.

First published.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) compliance fee for 2025Seeking views on whether we should set a compliance fee for 2025. We also want views on the proposal for managing this year’s fee.

First published.

Expressions of Interest for Northern Ireland Business Stakeholders Group
Expressions of Interest for the Northern Ireland Business Stakeholders Group on the Windsor Framework

First published. 

Regulations, Compliance, Supply Chains, Procurement, and reporting requirements

Procurement Act 2023 guidance documents – Define phase
These documents are intended to provide technical guidance and help with interpretation and understanding of the Procurement Act 2023.

Added guidance links to the document: Guidance: Mixed Procurement

Procurement Act 2023 guidance documents – Plan phase
These documents are intended to provide technical guidance and help with interpretation and understanding of the Procurement Act 2023.

Added guidance links to the document: Guidance: Reserved Contracts for Supported Employment Providers

IP

Intellectual Property Office: One day workshop
Develop your knowledge and skills in IP at the one day training course.

First published.

Fake toys, real harms: experts warn parents of dangerous fake toys
New Intellectual Property Office campaign warns buyers of major health and safety risks.

Goods Movement

Bristles, feathers, fur, hair and wool – Import Information Notes
Guidance for vets, importers and border control officials when importing bristles, feathers, fur, hair and wool to Great Britain.

Updated INN ABP/23A (Import of untreated wool and hair) to clarify that imports of this commodity are permitted from third countries listed in the annexes to the safeguard measures. Imports must be accompanied by the relevant documentation specified in this IIN and in the safeguard declarations.

Trade, investment, and export support

UKEF purchase order conditions of contract

UK Export Finance’s standard contract conditions for placing a purchase order for goods and services (Under £10,000).

First published.

UK/Switzerland: Agreement on Recognition of Professional Qualifications [TS No.57/2025]

This treaty was presented to Parliament in October 2025.

First published

Cover policy and indicators

Find out about cover policy and indicators for countries and territories that are covered by UK Export Finance.

Market Risk Appetite figures increased for Benin, Indonesia and Japan.

Growth Gateway: Developing Countries Trading Scheme in Nigeria, guidance for UK importersThe UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme offers UK importers tariff-free access to over 3,000 Nigerian products, enhancing supply chain resilience and reducing costs.

First published.

Sanctions

Who is subject to financial sanctions in the UK?
A guide to the current consolidated list of asset freeze targets, and a list of persons named in relation to financial and investment restrictions under the Russia regulations

HM Treasury Notice, ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida, 08/10/2025 and HM Treasury Notice, Iran (Nuclear), 08/10/2025 added.

HMRC updates

Registering for a business rates valuation account

An account lets you view details the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) holds about your business properties, including the rateable value, and report any changes.

Updated guidance with clearer instructions.

Make a claim for R&D tax relief on your company tax return

How to fill in your Company Tax Return to claim Corporation Tax relief on your Research and Development (R&D) project.

‘Report a breach in standards about an R&D claim’ section has been removed, it is now covered in ‘Reporting poor R&D tax relief service standards’ guidance.

OPSS updates

Call for data: safety of cosmetic ingredients

OPSS would like to invite any interested parties to submit any scientific information relevant to the safety assessment of cosmetic ingredients.

Scientific information requested on cosmetic ingredients with suspected endocrine disrupting properties.

CMA updates

How best to make a competition or consumer law complaint and what happens next

How to report a potential breach of competition or consumer law to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), and what to expect from us.

First published.

Skills, employment, and training

Sector-based work academy programme: employer guide

How Jobcentre Plus can help employers fill their vacancies more efficiently through sector-based work academies.

Textphone details removed and Relay UK details added to ‘Sector-based work academy programme: employer guide – HTML attachment’

DfE Update: 8 October 2025

Latest information and actions from the Department for Education about funding, assurance and resource management, for academies, local authorities and further education providers.

First published.

Complete the Care to Learn and 16 to 19 Bursary Fund for defined vulnerable groups funding claim

How Department for Education (DfE) funded 16 to 19 providers can make a funding claim for these schemes

We’ve made the link to the digital form clearer to help you submit claims for Care to Learn and 16 to 19 Bursary Fund for defined vulnerable groups.

DWP partnerships

How to contact DWP partnership teams for England, Scotland and Wales.

Updated partnership contacts at Jobcentre Plus Group level to provide improved mapping information across the Jobcentre Plus structures and upper tier of local government.

Sustainability, Resources and Waste, including EPR (packaging)

Extended producer responsibility for packaging: contact and support

How to get support if you have to report packaging data or pay a fee under EPR for packaging

First published.

Taking part in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme markets

This guidance explains the operation of the UK ETS markets and how to take part in auctions and in trading on the secondary market.

Cost Containment Mechanism figures updated for latest month.