Navigating the New US Tariffs – Get Expert Support on Classification and Origin

New Tariffs Now in Effect – Are You Prepared?

As of 5 April 2025, a sweeping new US tariff regime has come into force, placing immediate pressure on exporters globally.

• UK-origin goods are subject to an additional baseline 10% import tariff (in place since 5 April 2025)

• Automobile imports are subject to a 25% supplementary tariff (in place since 3 April 2025)

• Steel and aluminium products are subject to a 25% supplementary tariff (in place since 12 March 2025)

• Car parts will be subject to 25% supplementary duties (from 5 May 2025)

Disclaimer: Information is correct as of 10 April 2025.

Even goods containing a small proportion of steel or aluminium may be affected — and being able to prove UK origin is now critical to avoid incorrect or inflated duty charges. 

Impact on UK Exporters

Failing to correctly classify your goods or provide clear origin documentation can result in: 

• Higher costs due to misapplied tariffs

• Delays or detentions at customs

• Risk of penalties or backdated duties 

With the US now applying country-specific tariffs, it’s essential that UK exporters take action to ensure goods are not only accurately classified but also supported by origin documentation.

How ChamberCustoms Can Support You

We’re already working with UK companies to assess the impact of these changes and respond effectively. Whether you need support with classification, origin, or supply chain decisions, our expert Customs Consultants can help.

Commodity Code Review

We’ll review your current classifications against the Harmonised System (HS), helping you avoid costly misclassification errors or overpayments.

Rules of Origin Support

We’ll assess your goods’ origin under preferential and non-preferential rules to help you evidence UK origin correctly and reduce your tariff exposure.

Strategic Advice on Supply Chains

For some, rethinking sourcing or processing (e.g. using US-origin steel or aluminium) could lower duty liability. But these options require careful evaluation — we’ll help you assess the commercial impact and available routes.

Real-World Insight: Supporting UK Traders 

Our team recently worked with a UK manufacturer facing the new 25% tariffs on exports to the US. With over £10 million in annual US sales, they urgently needed to understand the impact and explore potential options to protect their margins.

Our Consultancy Provided:

• A full review of their current tariff classifications

• Analysis of possible reclassification options

• Exploration of a potential binding tariff ruling

• Advice on strategic steps related to product origin and supply chain design

We helped them understand their exposure, identify longer-term opportunities, and make informed commercial decisions.

Facing New Tariffs? We're Here to Help.

Whether you’re just starting to assess the impact or need expert help right away, we can support you. Let’s work together to ensure your business stays compliant, competitive, and ready for what’s next.

Get in touch today to speak with one of our Customs Executives.

Who we are

• ChamberCustoms is wholly owned by the British Chamber of Commerce.

• Our consultants are experienced in all aspects of compliance in international trade.

• We harness the reach, expertise and knowledge of a network of experts in 51 Chambers across the country.

What our Customs Consultancy customers say:

If you are looking for a customs clearance agent to file customs declarations on your behalf and keep you trading compliantly, you might be looking for our Customs Clearance service, find out more here:

If you are looking for Customs Training Courses from our industry expert trainers, you can find these here: