TradeVault Blog

Trade compliance, explained for African exporters

DCTS, CBAM, EUDR and rules of origin — practical guides that keep your shipments accepted, cleared, and paid.

CBAMFEATURED2026-08-25 · 8 min read

EU CBAM Definitive Phase: The Emissions Data Your Buyers Now Demand

Since January 2026, EU importers surrender CBAM certificates for embedded carbon. The transitional quarterly reports are gone: one annual declaration, first due 30 September 2027. If you cannot supply verified emissions data, punitive default values price you out.

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CBAM9 min read

UK CBAM Starts January 2027: Your Quarter-by-Quarter Readiness Plan

The UK's carbon border tax lands in January 2027, covering aluminium, cement, fertiliser, hydrogen, iron and steel. Exporters who prepare now keep their UK contracts.

2026-08-25Read →
DCTS6 min read

DCTS Continental Cumulation: The Rule That Changes Everything for African Exporters

From January 2026, materials from all 50 African DCTS countries count toward UK origin requirements. This single rule unlocks pan-African supply chains.

2026-02-28Read →
CBAM7 min read

CBAM: Why Africa's Low-Carbon Advantage Could Be Worth Billions

African producers often have lower emissions than competitors. The EU's carbon border tax turns that into a competitive weapon — if you measure and prove it.

2026-02-20Read →
Getting Started8 min read

From Zero to First Shipment: The 90-Day Export Playbook

A week-by-week guide for African entrepreneurs ready to enter UK/EU markets. Registration, compliance, documentation, and your first container.

2026-02-15Read →
DCTS6 min read

The 5 Origin Rules Every African Exporter Must Know

WO, CTC, VA, SP, and Cumulation — these five rules determine whether you pay 0% or full duty. Here's how each one works with real examples.

2026-02-10Read →
Reference5 min read

FOB, CIF, or FCA? Choosing the Right Incoterm for Your Export

Incorrect Incoterms are the #2 most common export mistake. Here's which one to use for your sector and why EXW and DDP should be avoided.

2026-02-05Read →
Strategy6 min read

AfCFTA + DCTS: The Dual Framework Strategy Smart Exporters Use

Source under AfCFTA, sell under DCTS. Here's how combining both trade agreements creates a competitive moat that non-African competitors can't match.

2026-01-28Read →
Documentation7 min read

The 6 Documents That Get Your Goods Into the UK Duty-Free

Miss one document and your buyer pays full duty. Here's exactly what you need and how to prepare each one correctly.

2026-01-20Read →
Industry5 min read

Cocoa Value Chain: From Beans to Chocolate Under DCTS

Raw cocoa beans enter the UK duty-free anyway. But process them into butter, paste, or chocolate and you unlock 7-8% savings. Here's the origin roadmap.

2026-01-15Read →
Compliance5 min read

SPS Failures: The £18,000 Mistake You Can Prevent

One wrong species name on a phytosanitary certificate cost an exporter an entire container. Here's how to avoid the most common SPS errors.

2026-01-10Read →
Industry6 min read

Textile Double Transformation: How Ethiopia Became Africa's Garment Powerhouse

The specific process rule for textiles requires yarn → fabric → garment. Here's how Ethiopian factories meet it using regional cumulation.

2026-01-05Read →

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