The UK has improved its international import standards and is now ranked the 16th-easiest country to trade with.

In the World Bank's Doing Business Report 2010, the UK’s ranking at 28th in the 2009 report was widely believed to be misrepresentative and its boost up the rankings has been welcomed by the international trade community.

Its new standing places the UK higher in this ranking than many other major economies, including the US, France and China.

Malcolm McKinnon, chief executive of trade facilitation body SITPRO, said: "We are very pleased with the UK's improved ranking in this report. Together with [the department for business, innovation and skills] and Middlesex University, SITPRO has worked with the World Bank to improve the accuracy of its rankings and this report presents a more accurate picture of how long it takes to move goods through UK ports and airports.

"The World Bank Report is an important yardstick by which to measure the UK's international standing. The UK needs to build upon this improved ranking and SITPRO will be working tirelessly with government and business to improve the experience of trading across the UK's borders."

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