Trade Facilitation Consulting

Trade Facilitation Consulting brings together research, advisory, and teaching activities focused on international trade, customs, and cross-border systems.

Much of the work explores how trade and border processes can be improved to reduce unnecessary friction while supporting wider regulatory, economic, and societal objectives. Activities sit at the interface between business and government and draw on interdisciplinary perspectives spanning trade, logistics, public policy, economics, and related fields.

Our work builds on the expertise of Prof Andrew Grainger and collaborators and includes engagements with international organisations, government agencies, businesses, research institutes, and universities around the world.

Alongside applied projects and academic research, activities also include executive education, university teaching, and the development of practical learning resources and case studies.

Meet the team

Services

Work is always interesting, frequently with a global footprint, and typically falls within one or more of the following themes:

Research

Generating new insights, testing ideas and technologies, modelling economic and compliance costs, evaluating impacts, and identifying opportunities for reform and innovation.

Mentoring, Education and Training

Supporting learning and capability building across government, business, and academia. Activities range from helping businesses navigate compliance requirements to executive education, stakeholder workshops, university teaching, and the development of innovative learning solutions.

Project Support

Supporting the implementation and evaluation of trade facilitation and border reform initiatives, including stakeholder engagement, impact assessment, and the development of practical tools and approaches to support delivery.

Recent Blogs and News

Measuring the impact of non-tariff measures in UK agri-food exports to the EU

by Andrew Grainger27th Sep 20257th Apr 2026

I would like to draw attention to a recent research project commissioned by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) examining the impact of non-tariff measures (NTMs) on exports of agri-food, plant and fisheries products from Great…

A Practical Guide to Cross-Border Facilitation – New OSCE Publication

by Andrew Grainger10th Sep 20257th Apr 2026

I am pleased to share a publication that I recently had the privilege of authoring for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE): A Practical Guide to Cross-Border Facilitation. The guide was commissioned by the OSCE Office of…

DHL GoTrade Summit 2023

by Andrew Grainger5th Mar 20247th Apr 2026

It was once again a pleasure to have had a front row seat at the DHL GoTrade Summit and contribute expert commentary during the event’s interactive wrap-up sessions. The summit brought together leaders from across the public and private sectors…

OPSS International Conference 2023

by Andrew Grainger8th Oct 20238th Oct 2023

It was lovely to participate as panel speaker at this year’s “OPSS International Conference 2023: Prosperity & Protection – effective regulation for growth, trade and innovation ”. Just as in previous years, this important Office for Product Safety and Standards organised…

Working Paper: Customs tariff classification and the use of assistive technologies

by Andrew Grainger22nd Sep 20237th Apr 2026

Author: Dr Andrew Grainger Abstract: This paper aims to help inform discussions about customs tariff classification and the use of assistive technologies, especially those found online. It offers a broad background overview of classification practices and requirements by reference to…

Deutsche Post DHL GoTrade 2022 Summit: How to boost inclusive and sustainable trade

by Andrew Grainger28th Jun 202228th Jun 2022

It was lovely to have had a front row seat at the GoTrade 2022 Summit and lend expert commentary during its interactive wrap-up sessions. The event was attended by leaders from across the public and private sector. The full summary…