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Compliance GuideUK MarketUpdated 2025
UK Post-Brexit Requirements for African Exporters
The UK is Africa's 5th largest trade partner. Post-Brexit, separate regulations, DCTS preferences, UKCA marking, and the Border Target Operating Model create a distinct compliance landscape from the EU.
£0B+
Africa-UK Trade
0+
DCTS Countries
0
UK Freeports
0%
Tariff Lines Duty-Free
UK-Africa Trade Landscape
Post-Brexit opportunities for African exporters
Since Brexit (January 31, 2020), the UK has established its own independent trade policy, creating both challenges and significant opportunities for African exporters. The UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) is more generous than the EU's GSP for many products, while new bilateral EPAs provide comprehensive market access.
Trade Volume
£40B+
Annual Africa-UK bilateral trade, growing 8% YoY
DCTS Beneficiaries
65+
Countries eligible for reduced/zero duties
Key Advantage
85%+
Tariff lines duty-free for LDCs under DCTS
Key Post-Brexit Changes for African Exporters
- DCTS replaced EU GSP - more generous for many African products, especially agricultural
- UKCA marking replaces CE - separate conformity assessment for UK market (deadline 2027)
- UK REACH separate from EU REACH - chemicals/cosmetics need dual registration
- Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) - new phased import controls fully active since 2025
- Bilateral EPAs - UK-Kenya, UK-SACUM, UK-Ghana EPAs maintain duty-free access
- 8 UK Freeports - duty deferral and tax incentives for value-added processing