Check or report a trade barrier

Trade barriers are tariff, non-tariff or overseas direct investment restrictions that block or delay investments, exports or potential to do business.

You might be facing a barrier if, for example:

• regulations in an overseas market prevent you exporting or investing there
• you supply services and have to pay unnecessary charges that give an advantage to domestic suppliers
• your goods are delayed from getting to market by lengthy customs procedures

Tell us if you think you’re facing a new trade barrier or have an issue with an existing trade barrier. We might be able to help resolve it.

If your problem is urgent, you can contact the relevant British embassy. Their knowledge of local business practices and working hours might mean your barrier is resolved more quickly.

Check if a trade barrier has already been reported

Check if a trade barrier has already been reported on GOV.UK. The service will give you the trade barrier title and identifying code which can be used to report any issues with an existing barrier.

Check a trade barrier

Report a new trade barrier

You can use this service to report a new trade barrier or issues with an existing barrier.

When you report a trade barrier online, you will be asked to follow these steps:

1. Tell us about your business

   What are your business details? How can we contact you?

2. Describe your problem

   What’s stopping your export? Is the problem still affecting your business?

3. Tell us more about your problem

   Add any other details you think are relevant to your problem. If it is about an existing trade barrier include the trade barrier code.

4. What happens next

   We’ll aim to email you within 5 working days to let you know if we can help.

Report a trade barrier