Local Law & Compliance Review

Keeping your exports on the right side of the law

Since we started in 2019, we have seen too many Manchester-based firms get their goods stuck at customs in Ho Chi Minh City. The rules in Vietnam and Thailand change fast. If your labels are missing a specific font size or a mandatory local distributor address, the port authorities will hold your shipment. We have completed 47 projects where we fixed these exact issues before the goods left the UK. We don't offer vague advice; we give you the specific wording you need for your packaging.

Last year, we helped 32 small businesses review their tax filings and import permits. In one case, a clothing brand in Leeds was about to pay 12% more in duties than necessary because they used the wrong HS code for their fabric blend. We caught the error during our 11-point audit and saved them roughly £2,450 on their first three shipments. We handle the boring paperwork so you can focus on making sales. It is about straight talk about Asian trade and making sure your margins don't disappear into fines.

Our detailed compliance process

• We review your UK product specifications against the 2021 Vietnamese Decree on Goods Labeling.
• We check Thai FDA registration requirements for food, cosmetics, or medical devices.
• We verify that your local partner in the region has the correct licenses to receive your specific goods.
• We provide a written estimate of all local taxes, including the 7% VAT in Thailand and specific consumption taxes.

Honestly, getting these permits is never as fast as people hope. A standard import license for electronic goods in Vietnam usually takes 14 to 22 business days to clear the Ministry of Industry and Trade. We won't tell you it takes a week just to get your business. We give you a realistic timeline based on the 83 successful filings we have managed over the last few years. By the way, we always suggest starting this review at least two months before you plan to ship your first pallet.

Our team of 6 people at Silk Mill Street works on fixed project fees. You won't see hidden hourly charges on your bill. We believe in clear pricing for clear work. If you send us your product list on a Monday morning, we typically get back to you with a first-draft review within 4.44 hours. We are not the cheapest agency in the UK, but we actually know the local clerks in Bangkok and Hanoi who sign the forms. That makes the difference between a 3-week delay and a smooth entry.