Onward sales and exports for tech and smart cities

Access guidance on tech exports and find out more about trade regulations and the UK's free trade agreements.

Export from the UK

Once you have set up your tech business in the UK, you can access a range of support and advice whether you are looking to export for the first time or grow into new or existing markets.

Use our online resources and step by step guides on Business.gov.uk to help you export from the UK.

Selling digital services or consultancy to the EU

For tech or other companies selling digital services to the EU, or transferring data, specific regulations now apply.

Find out more about selling services to the EU on GOV.UK.

Free trade agreements

The UK has free trade agreements (FTAs) in place which can reduce restrictions on trade, making buying and selling easier and cheaper.

Trade agreements are made between two or more countries and set out the preferential rules for buying or selling goods or services between them.

Read more about FTAs on GOV.UK.

Several of the agreements provide more opportunities for tech and digital service firms based in the UK to trade easily by ensuring the free flow of data, now or in the near future. Go to GOV.UK to discover the benefits of the:

  • Singapore Digital Economy Agreement - benefits also include promotion of cross border e-commerce and mutual recognition of electronic signatures.
  • UK-Japan Digital Partnership - ensures easier faciliation of e-commerce and consumer protection for this, and increased collaboration on AI and related research activities
  • UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement - brings easier faciliation of e-commerce, increased collaboration on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity and mobility for skilled talent.

The UK's joining of the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) also gives increased benefits in digital trade, ensuring ease of data flow between UK and other member countries, including Canada, Malaysia and Japan.

Find out about the benefits of the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) on GOV.UK.

Next steps

For more information you can search the UK Investment Support Directory to find specialists with experience in sales and exports from within the UK.