From 1 January 2021, the UK will apply a UK-specific tariff to imported goods, which will replace the current EU Common External Tariff. The new bespoke UK Global Tariff (“UKGT”) will apply to goods imported into the UK (including Northern Ireland) irrespective of their source unless an exception such as a preferential arrangement, tariff suspension, or Free Trade Agreement applies. It is the first time the UK has set its own tariff regime for almost 50 years.

As per the new system, the UK will slash import tariffs on certain products and scrap the EU calculation system to determine food levies. The UK will also round tariffs down to their nearest 2 per cent, 5 per cent, or 10 per cent, depending on their existing level, to simplify the regime, and will cut tariffs on environmental products such as LED bulbs.

You can read the Institute’s response to the government’s consultation process to develop this regime. Readers can also use the UK Global Tariff tool to check the tariffs that will apply to goods they import from 1 January 2021. Read the summary of public responses and government response for full details.