United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to duty-free access for Bangladeshi products, including garments and electronics, under the updated Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).
Announced by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the revised scheme introduces simplified rules of origin, allowing more products from developing nations—such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines—to enter the UK tariff-free, even when they include components from other regions in Asia and Africa.
The updated DCTS, unveiled on 10th July during a high-level reception in London hosted jointly by the DBT and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), aims to support trade-driven growth across 65 developing countries. Over £16 billion in UK imports have benefited from tariff savings since the scheme’s launch in June 2023.
“This will open up new commercial opportunities for UK businesses to build resilient supply chains, invest in emerging markets, and tap into fast-growing economies,” the DBT said in its statement.
Minister for International Development Jenny Chapman noted, “These new rules will make it easier for developing countries to trade more closely with the UK. This is good for their economies and for UK consumers and businesses.” Douglas Alexander, Minister of State for Trade Policy, emphasized the critical role of trade in poverty reduction, stating, “No country has ever lifted itself out of poverty without trading with its neighbors.”
Retail industry leaders welcomed the move. Monique Leeuwenburgh, Director of Sourcing at Marks & Spencer, said the updated scheme will help sustain their long-term partnerships in Bangladesh. Eoin Tonge, Interim CEO of Primark, added that the changes will support their sourcing strategies in key markets like Bangladesh and Cambodia. The DCTS is part of the UK’s broader strategy to foster global trade relationships while enhancing supply chain resilience and promoting economic development in low and lower-middle-income countries.
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