On Thursday 13th November 2025 at the ALFED Business Briefing, the Aluminium Federation (ALFED) and the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade (CIOE&IT) announced a new joint whitepaper designed to help aluminium businesses navigate the complexities of international trade, from customs classification and valuation to export controls, sanctions, and the incoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The announcement was made during a presentation delivered by Anna Doherty, Customs Practice Director at the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, where she presented an exclusive preview of the Aluminium Trade & Customs Report, outlining key findings on export challenges and regulatory developments.
The publication, titled “10 Things to Consider When Importing and Exporting Aluminium”, provides practical guidance for companies of all sizes involved in global aluminium trade. It draws on insights from the Institute’s customs experts and ALFED’s trade and compliance specialists, offering clear explanations of key requirements, documentation, and risk areas affecting the aluminium supply chain.
Nadine Bloxsome, CEO of the Aluminium Federation, said:
“We’re delighted to launch this whitepaper in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade.
As an industry, aluminium underpins so much of the UK’s low-carbon economy, but businesses continue to face complex and evolving trade rules. This guide brings together authoritative expertise to help firms cut through the noise, avoid unnecessary costs and delays, and trade with greater confidence and consistency.
Above all, it’s about unlocking opportunity: making it simpler for UK aluminium businesses to sell, source, and grow responsibly both here and overseas.”
The whitepaper explains essential trade topics such as Incoterms, origin and valuation, and classification (including recycled and secondary aluminium products), as well as more advanced areas such as export controls, trade defence measures, US tariffs, and trading with Northern Ireland. It also outlines how upcoming policies, including CBAM and related UK regulations, will affect aluminium importers and exporters.
Anna Doherty, Customs Practice Director at the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade, added:
“This whitepaper is designed to be accessible, practical, and directly relevant to those trading aluminium and its products internationally. By combining the Institute’s expertise in trade and customs with ALFED’s deep understanding of the aluminium value chain, we aim to support companies in staying compliant, competitive, and ready for what’s ahead.”
The collaboration reflects ALFED’s wider mission to equip members with the knowledge, representation, and tools needed to succeed in a fast-changing global marketplace. It also builds on the work of ALFED’s Trade Committee, which continues to engage with Government and partners to address trade barriers, sanctions, and compliance challenges affecting UK aluminium businesses.
The whitepaper is now available for free download on both organisations’ websites:
???? Download from ALFED
???? Download from CIOE&IT
