Explore how clearBorder has helped clients reduce risk, unlock opportunity, and build long-term resilience in cross-border trade.
The company lacked a centralised, compliant, and scalable global trade management process for export controls and customs. The high risk of shipping delays for critical components jeopardised key development and manufacturing timelines.
It needed a clear, scalable, and fully compliant strategy to navigate complex international trade regulations, standardise classification processes (HS/ECCN), and ensure seamless component flow
A comprehensive Global Trade Compliance (GTC) program was implemented, a digital solution for customs declarations and documentation deployed, and hands-on training provided to build in-house expertise.
This resulted in our client successfully mitigating the risk of costly delays and potential regulatory fines, ensuring operational continuity for critical defence and commercial programs.
The client’s EU supplier had struggled with post-Brexit requirements for Export Health Certificates and the UK’s approach to phased import controls.
The client wanted to improve its negotiating position relative to its EU supplier and explore alternative supply from its existing facilities in Thailand and Japan. clearBorder supported client decision-making by assessing product requirements and import routes for existing suppliers in the EU and Thailand.
We assessed the client’s product ingredients and classification to confirm its thinking on current and future requirements, customs management and any risk categories. We assessed import requirements including product classification and SPS regulations, contractual considerations, customs, and logistics implications, including air and sea costs and timelines.
By identifying non-compliance at the EU manufacturing site and confirming the requirements for export of pet food, we prevented £10,000s of potential fines and charges and enabled senior management to assess their supply chain options.
The client needed to respond to increasing competition in the premium alcohol market by providing a service for customers to ship directly to the US.
They needed options for a seamless post-sale service which was in full compliance with legal requirements incorporating a detailed analysis of the end-to-end process including costs, liabilities, transfers of responsibility, sales taxes, regulatory hurdles and excise requirements.
We developed a comprehensive process map for two scenarios with detailed process requirements for duty-suspended goods.
We identified three credible partners who could assist the client’s customers with seamless shipments and ensure a clear demarcation of responsibilities.
Following discussions with senior supply chain and functional leaders, our report enabled them to identify new channels for a critical consumer segment and respond to competitor activity.
The client needed to understand if their unique technologies were likely to be subject to export controls and therefore require a licence for export. They needed clarity on the regulations and to mitigate risk in exporting sensitive technology and data to international partners.
ClearBorder implemented an “Accelerated Two-Track Fix” to resolve urgent compliance issues during their shift to a Global Technology Supplier. We secured legal classification, obtaining licensing approvals for the compliant transfer of sensitive technical data shipment and customs clearance of their hardware. This dual strategy allowed our client to meet critical commercial deadlines.
Our comprehensive due diligence and expert analysis mitigated the high inherent risk associated with End-Use Controls and directly supported the client’s pivot to becoming a Global Technology Supplier.
The UK-based publisher needed to deliver large quantities of bespoke-content books from US presses for distribution in the UK and subsequent re-export.
Highly dynamic publishing cycles required a solution covering import/export regulations, customs processes, D2C considerations, audit readiness and supply chain strategy. The team did not have in-house expertise and asked clearBorder for support.
Within days we were able to explain the necessary requirements simply and act as a shipping department so that operations were not delayed. We also analysed VAT and duty, assessed customs procedures, requirements for import of books/paper, identified appropriate forwarders and established suitable management controls.
The company was able to meet double-digit growth from international customers, despite the change-over in staff and without increasing the internal team.
Our client sold frozen prawns and other food products to a leading Asian restaurant chain in Europe with an ambition to expand their range. While the company had worked with a UK importer to facilitate imports, the end customer requested our client to manage imports directly. In order not to lose this valuable account, our client had to establish an entity and manage complex food shipments compliantly.
clearBorder advised on the import entity set up, confirmed all compliance requirements, set up the necessary protocols and supported the client through their client negotiations. This resulted in the client being ready to import complex products (shrimp) into the UK within 8 weeks. Further product advice followed with support provided through 2025.
The client wanted an assessment and interpretation of requirements for export health certificates for canned petfood. This was in response to concerns raised by Official Veterinarians in South Africa which were preventing the signing of Export Health Certificates (EHCs).
Through a thorough analysis of the export requirements around SPS, we provided detailed advice about the current situation successfully resolved the initial issue and facilitating the smooth continuation of the export process for subsequent shipments.
We also provided clear next steps for the client in order to maintain business exports.
The client’s core problem was determining customs rules and thresholds for export compliance when supplying technology development consultancy services and component software/hardware, especially when the end-use is unknown or confidential.
The client’s objectives were to:
We implemented a comprehensive, risk-based export compliance framework for the client, centred on a detailed internal decision tree. This allowed for quick assessment of whether a project’s “technology” or “products” triggered licensing requirements and shifted compliance from reactive, case-by-case assessments to a proactive, process-driven system.
This ensured consistent adherence to export control regulations, minimising non-compliance risk, streamlining operations, and protecting strategically sensitive information.