28.10.2026 Regulation #World #Import #Duties
UK removes tariffs on 100+ goods, extends suspensions on 250+
The UK government announced two tariff packages within a few days of each other. The release of 23 October extends duty suspensions on more than 250 goods used by businesses, and the release of 26 October removes import tariffs on more than 100 products. The window for business views opens on 11 November and runs until 3 February.
Which products lose their tariffs
The measure covers more than 100 products. The release names baked beans, chocolate and gherkins as examples, alongside fertilisers and kerosene. According to the notes to the 26 October release, tariffs are expected to be cut on:
- garlic: 8% + £100 per 100 kg;
- gherkins: 12%;
- citrus jams, marmalades and pastes: 20% + £19 per 100 kg;
- throat pastilles and cough drops, boiled sweets (filled or unfilled), toffees and caramels, plant-based beverages (soya, nut, cereal or seed) and chocolate-coated waffles: 8% each;
- kerosene: 4%;
- fertilisers: 2% to 6.5%.
The release gives no rate for baked beans or chocolate in general. It also does not state the effective date, the legal instrument or product codes.
This is the second package of its kind this year: per the notes to the 26 October release, the earlier one was introduced in June 2026 and covered products including pasta, fruit juice and tuna. Together, the two packages are expected to reduce consumer costs by approximately £245–595 million a year. With suspensions already introduced, households could save up to £21 a year on their food shop.
Business suspensions extended
According to the 23 October release, duty suspensions on more than 250 goods that were due to expire on 31 December are extended to December 2028. All suspensions that were consulted on are extended, except those that no longer have a material effect.
Suspensions due to expire in June 2027 are extended by six months, to December 2027, while a formal review of a further extension takes place. Import cost savings are put at up to £155 million a year. The release lists chemicals, plastics, hydrogen, automotive, and food and drink among the sectors concerned.
Consultation window on suspensions: 11 November to 3 February
The window opens on 11 November and runs until 3 February. The release says it will let businesses submit views on extending suspensions beyond 2027 and on new suspensions; the year and the submission procedure are not given. The notes to the 26 October release add that the government introduced a business-led package in July following applications from firms, is extending existing business suspensions, and is opening a new application window for further products.
The releases do not list the suspensions being extended, give the date the tariff removal takes effect, or cite the legal instrument. According to the 26 October release, the Budget is due on the Wednesday after that announcement.
Primary sources
- Everyday fixes to make life easier for millions of Britons (HM Treasury, gov.uk)
- Government slashes red tape and tariffs to give businesses breathing space (HM Treasury, gov.uk)
This material is for information only and does not constitute legal advice or customs consulting. Verify changes against the primary sources before acting.