News & Articles
Government Update: End of April
We’re sharing the latest government announcements, consultations and regulatory updates relevant to our sector. Covering areas such as trade, sustainability, and export support, these developments may impact businesses across the gift and home industry. We encourage members to review the updates and engage with any consultations relevant to their business.
Announcements and Calls for Evidence:
Jet fuel and travel plans: what you need to know
UK airlines say that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. The government is working with industry and international partners to keep passengers moving.
First published.
Decisive action to break influence of gas on electricity prices
Families across the country will be better protected from energy crises, as government moves to break link between gas and electricity prices.
First published.
AI cyber threats: open letter to business leaders
Open letter from DSIT Secretary of State Liz Kendall and Security Minister Dan Jarvis to UK business leaders.
Organisations are invited to take the Cyber Resilience Pledge, which contains 3 actions that will have an immediate positive impact on resilience to cyber attacks.
First published.
Frontier technologies: powering the UK’s digital innovation
The UK is accelerating growth by developing six frontier technologies that strengthen digital capabilities and boost long-term competitiveness.
First published.
Report fraud to the Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
Routes to report suspected fraud, bribery or corruption related to the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
First published
Transparency and disclosure: updating our general guidance
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is consulting on updates to its general guidance on transparency and disclosure.
First published.
Make Work Pay: misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
We are seeking views on proposals to prevent the misuse of non-disclosure agreements in cases of workplace harassment and discrimination.
First published.
'Right to work' draft code of practice for employers: avoiding unlawful discrimination
Consultation on proposed amendments to the Home Office code of practice for employers.
First published.
Make Work Pay: improving access to flexible working
We are seeking views on a new process for employers to follow when handling flexible working requests, as well as insights on flexible working practices more broadly.
Updated ‘Next steps’ section of ‘Make Work Pay: consultation on improving access to flexible working (web version)’ to show the correct closing date and time of 11:59pm on 30 April 2026.
Industrial emissions: modernising environmental permitting
Seeking views on regulatory reforms to the environmental permitting framework for industrial emissions.
Added the summary of responses and government response.
REMINDER: Government cuts electricity bill for 10,000 manufacturers in boost for UK competitiveness
The Government has announced that electricity bills will be cut by up to 25% for over 10,000 businesses through the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme.
Link to new consultation ‘British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme: consultation on regulatory changes and scheme delivery’ and consultation response ‘Government response to the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme: consultation on scheme eligibility and approach’ added.
Regulations, Compliance, Supply Chains, Procurement, and reporting requirements
Unlocking private investment to drive UK defence as an engine for growth
The UK defence industry stands to benefit as the Government considers new ways to unlock private investment to drive military readiness, create jobs and deliver economic growth across the UK.
First published.
Northern Ireland start-up boost with new £50 million defence growth deal
Defence tech start-ups and small businesses in Northern Ireland will benefit from a £50 million investment boost launched by the UK government today, creating highly-skilled jobs and strengthening UK national security.
First published.
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.
Update to the regulation reference in paragraph 7 of the document: Guidance: Contracting Authority Definition.
HSE updates
CLP: Publication of GB MCL technical reports
Pesticides: Proposed active substance approval withdrawal
IP
UK-China Intellectual Property Newsletter
At the end of every month we publish a newsletter covering recent intellectual property (IP) developments in China.
Updated China IP Newsletter (April 2026)
Goods Movement
This is a Decision which will be adopted by the Specialised Committee on Participation in Union Programmes under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
First published.
Find out additional instructions for specific data elements that may be used with each 3-digit Additional Procedure Code.
Additional Procedure Code restrictions for 1RM within the ‘1 Series’ attachment have been updated.
Making an import declaration in your records
How to declare imported goods to customs, by entering them in your own records.
The list of ‘What to include’ when you enter details of your goods into your records has been updated.
The Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
This tax information and impact note explains the legislative changes that will make it easier for businesses to claim a repayment or remission of Customs Duty when bringing goods into Northern Ireland.
First published.
Reference Document for The Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020
The Reference Document for The Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 sets out the necessary steps businesses who import goods into Northern Ireland will need to take.
‘Duty incurred in Northern Ireland – repayment and remission on production of evidence (eligibility criteria and other conditions)’ has been updated toversion 1.2, dated 23 March 2026.
Wood packaging material for import and export
If you use, produce or supply wood packaging material (WPM) to move goods to or from the EU or the rest of the world, you must make sure it meets international standards.
Updated the definition of associated controlled dunnage: wood that supports a consignment of wood of genus or species specified under annex 7 of the Phytosanitary Conditions Regulations.
Classifying ceramics for import and export
Get help to classify ceramic articles for import and export.
The sections titled ‘Ceramic tableware, kitchenware and other household articles’and ‘Ceramic toilet articles’ have been updated
Delivery costs to include in the customs value
Find out about the different types of delivery costs, and which ones you must include or exclude in the customs value if you’re an importer or clearing agent.
The ‘Transport costs included in the total freight charge’ section has been updated to explain that locally agreed rates for UK transport costs for Customs Duty purposes must not be used for ad valorem Customs Duty calculations.
Trade, investment, and export support
Register to complete origin declarations under the UK-India Free Trade Agreement
Register with HMRC if you’re planning to complete origin declarations for exports under the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.
A link has been added to explain how UK exporting businesses can qualify for preferential tariffs under the UK–India Free Trade Agreement.
UK Trade Tariff: duty suspensions and autonomous tariff quotas
Temporary duty suspensions and autonomous tariff quotas (ATQs) for importing goods into the UK.
Guidance updated to reflect the closing of the 2025 to 2026 objections window that ran from 27 March 2026 to 24 April 2026.
UK-Türkiye Strategic Partnership Framework: Joint Statement
Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Türkiye on the Strategic Partnership Framework signed in London.
First published.
TRA proposes new measure on South Korean hot rolled steel plate
The TRA has proposed a new anti-dumping measure be imposed on imports of hot rolled steel plate from South Korea.
First published.
UK Defence and Security Exports event and exhibition support
Information on which domestic and international events we will be at during 2026 and 2027, and guidance on how we can support businesses to participate.
New upcoming events have been added to the exhibition event calendar.
Welded tubes and pipes expiry review reaches initial findings
The TRA has initially proposed that an anti-dumping measure on welded tubes and pipes from Belarus and China be extended at unchanged rates.
First published
Interception of non-compliant solid wood packaging material and other material imports
Infographic illustrating the top GB ports and associated top international trading supply regions, where non-compliant wood-based material has been intercepted.
Added infographics for 2023-24 and 2024-25.
Sanctions
Sanctions End-Use Controls: guidance for businesses
Information to help UK businesses understand Sanctions End-Use Controls and how to ensure compliance.
First published.
How OTSI assesses application for trade sanctions licences
This guidance is for applications submitted to OTSI seeking licences to carry out sanctioned activity related to both services and goods.
First published.
How to apply for a trade sanctions licence
Find out which body is responsible for licensing your activity, and send your application to the correct team.
OTSI is taking on additional trade sanctions licensing responsibilities from the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU).
Trading under sanctions with Russia
What import and export restrictions apply due to sanctions for UK persons, including UK businesses and UK natural persons, when trading with Russia.
Updates to include Sanctions End-Use Controls and signpost to the right licensing teams.
Supporting Syria’s future: guidance for businesses and NGOs
A guide to current prohibitions and designations and how to use licences and exceptions for businesses and other organisations who want to do business and operate in Syria.
Amended to reflect trade sanctions lifted under the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
Find out which people, entities and ships are designated or specified under regulations made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, and why.
Made 4 variations under the Afghanistan sanctions regime and 1 administrative amendment under the Global Human Rights sanctions regime.
HMRC updates
Climate change agreements scheme – the carbon emissions factor for gas
This tax information and impact note is about updates to the way the carbon emissions factor for gas is described and calculated.
First published.
OPSS updates
Information on OPSS product safety alerts, reports and recalls for unsafe products and resources for consumers, businesses and regulators.
List of featured recalls and alerts updated.
Skills, employment, and training
Post-16 L2 and L3 qualifications: 2027 proposed subject content
We are seeking views on the proposed subject content for new qualifications at level 2 and level 3 to be first taught from September 2027.
First published.
Apprenticeship funding rules and assessment plan guidance, 2026 to 2027
The rules employers and training providers must follow to get funding for training and assessing apprentices in England.
First published.
Adult skills fund: devolved grant determination letters 2026
Letters to devolved areas outlining adult skills fund (ASF) and free courses for jobs funding for the 2026 to 2027 financial year.
First published.
Apprenticeship funding
How the government funds apprenticeships in England, including details of funding bands and the apprenticeship levy. The guidance for ‘Apprenticeship funding for employers who do not pay the apprenticeship levy’ has been updated to include information about apprenticeship units.
Support for learners, undertaking an apprenticeship or an apprenticeship unit, with learning difficulties and disabilities
How providers can make reasonable adjustments, get funding and offer flexibilities for learners with learning difficulties and disabilities.
The guidance has been updated to include information about supporting learners undertaking apprenticeship units.
Apprenticeship standards: revisions and adjustments
A list of the apprenticeship standards currently being revised, adjusted or retired and the estimated completion date of the changes.
The excel and opendoc attachments have been replaced with the latest editions for April 2026.
Next generation empowered through Technical Excellence Colleges
19 new Technical Excellence Colleges will equip young people with the high-level technical skills needed to access well-paid, high-skilled jobs.
Addition of comment from David Hughes, AoC.
Implementing the Plan to Make Work Pay and Employment Rights Act
The updated implementation timeline for the government’s Plan to Make Work Pay and the Employment Rights Act 2025.
Regulations on non-disclosure agreements added to ‘Measures that will take effect in 2027’ in the timeline update.
Keep Britain Working review – updates
Updates on the independent review of the role of employers in tackling health based economic inactivity and promoting healthy and inclusive workplaces.
Added ‘Keep Britain Working review – March 2026 update (Easy Read)’
Sustainability, Resources and Waste, including EPR (packaging)
Circular economy: guidance for mayoral strategic authorities
How mayoral strategic authorities can incorporate circularity into local growth plans or spatial development strategies.
Added detail about the work of the South East England Hub 4 Circularity (SEEH4C). Added the ‘Circular Economy Institute’ as an example of engaging with networks and collaborating.
Game-changing digital tracking takes fight to rogue waste traders
New digital waste tracking service to be introduced
First published.
UK Emissions Trading Scheme: ministerial directions to the regulators
Ministerial Directions issued by the Secretary of State under section 52 of the Climate Change Act 2008.
Published UK Emissions Trading Scheme: Direction under section 52 of the Climate Change Act 2008 in contemplation of paragraph 37(1)(a) of Schedule 2A to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Order 2020.
Register with the environmental regulator: extended producer responsibility for packaging
How to register with the environmental regulator if your organisation is obligated under extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging, deadlines for registration and registration fees.
In the section called ‘Who must register’, updated the ‘Find a registered compliance scheme’ link.
Extended producer responsibility for packaging: local authority payment calculations 2026 to 2027
Find out the methodology and procedure used to calculate extended producer responsibility for packaging payments to local authorities for 2026 to 2027 (year 2).
Link has been added to local authority costs and performance model worked examples.