The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) has been selected as one of six consortia for HM Government’s Ecosystem of Trust pilot scheme.

The pilots are part of the government’s 2025 Border Strategy and will assess the use of technology, data and trusted trader relationships in order to minimise administrative burdens and costs on traders.

Brexit Opportunities Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg MP used his keynote speech at the Border Management and Technologies Summit Europe this week to announce the successful pilot bids.

The six border innovation pilots are aiming to transform the way the UK border operates.

‘Substantial benefits’

IOE&IT director general Marco Forgione said: “We’re proud to have been selected to lead both the UK government’s Africa and EU to Immingham Ecosystem of Trust pilot schemes. These pilots are part of the plan to create the world’s best border by 2025.

“Using IOE&IT’s global network of members and partner organisations, these pilots aim to deliver substantial benefits, not only to traders in the relevant supply chains, but also to the UK in terms securing its position as a global leader in digital trade.

Digital delivery

Forgione added: “Provisions to improve digital delivery are an increasingly important part of trade agreements – and it is initiatives like this that will make them succeed.

“We look forward to working with our partners to deliver for businesses.”

Self-assessment

The Ecosystem of Trust model aims to create a more secure border while limiting the need for government to conduct compliance activities, with traders allowed to perform more self-assessment at their premises.

Ultimately, it could remove the transactional nature of customs and border processes.

IOE&IT role

The IOE&IT has brought together a consortium with the specific skills and experience to deliver research, policy engagement and technical assistance.

The group aims to develop trade corridors across Africa, building on the UK-Kenya Trade Logistics Information Pipeline (TLIP) being developed by the IOE&IT with TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) between the UK and Kenya.

‘Vital next step’

IOE&IT director of strategic projects and international development, Kevin Shakespeare, said: “Digital trade corridors are the vital next step in international trade. The digital corridors will use technology to create visibility of data from the earliest point in the supply chain, applying digital seals to the consignment to ensure goods are fully traceable throughout the trade journey.

“The IOE&IT is using our global network and knowledge of trade and supply chains to bring together the best consortium to work on this pilot scheme. With this project, we look forward to helping shape the future of UK trade for the next generation.”

The Ecosystem of Trust pilots will run until the end of 2022 to establish how they can be scaled to a new border model which will increase the efficiency, speed and crucially the safety of UK trade borders.