Rules of Origin Governance for a UK Fashion House (Case Study)
Navigating Brexit Rules of Origin for UK Fashion House
Business Context
Following Brexit, a UK fashion house exporting to the EU faced unexpected import duties. Customers demanded Proof of Origin to benefit from duty-free access under the UK–EU Trade Agreement.
Strategic Risk
The company’s sourcing and production model spanned multiple countries, creating uncertainty over which products qualified as UK-origin. Without a defensible origin framework, the business risked losing competitiveness, customer trust, and audit resilience.
Alegrant’s Judgement
Alegrant recognised that origin compliance required governance, not ad hoc assessments. The objective was not only to unlock duty savings, but to establish a repeatable, auditable origin model.
Structured Execution
Alegrant:
- Mapped the full supply chain, from raw materials to finished goods;
- Analysed value contribution across sourcing, processing, and finishing stages;
- Identified products that clearly did not qualify, reducing risk exposure;
- Calculated originating content for qualifying products;
- Built documentation processes, statements of origin, and audit trails.
Training was delivered to internal teams to ensure consistent application over time.
Business Outcome
The company restored duty-free access for qualifying products, protected margins, and rebuilt customer confidence. More importantly, it gained a structured origin governance framework capable of withstanding customs audits.
What This Proves
Duty savings only become sustainable when origin is governed, documented, and embedded into business processes. Alegrant delivered both immediate financial value and long-term compliance resilience.
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