Guidance

Check temporary import tariff rates after a no-deal Brexit

How to find the temporary tariff rates on imports into the UK if we leave the EU with no deal.

• From: Department for International Trade
• Published: 13 March 2019
• Last updated: 8 October 2019 — See all updates

This guidance was withdrawn on 30 January 2020

Now the Withdrawal Agreement has passed, the content of this page is no longer relevant.

During the transition period you can find current tariffs in the Trade Tariff tool.

Overview

If the UK leaves the EU with no deal, you may need to pay different rates of customs duty (tariffs) on imports into the UK from the EU and the rest of the world. These rates will only be applied if the UK leaves with no deal.

The temporary rates would be in place for up to 12 months. The government will then introduce a permanent tariff regime following a public consultation.

Depending on where the goods come from, the tariff rate will either be a preferential rate or a non-preferential rate, which is also called a ‘Most Favoured Nation’ (MFN) rate.

Preferential tariff rates

A preferential tariff rate will apply if the country you are importing from:

• has a trade agreement with the UK
• is part of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences

Non-preferential tariff rates (‘Most Favoured Nation’)

If there is no trade agreement between the UK and another country after Brexit, you will have to trade with that country under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

WTO rules state that the same trading terms must be applied to all countries, unless there is a trade agreement between 2 or more countries. This is known as Most Favoured Nation treatment

View non-preferential tariff rates after a no-deal Brexit.

Tariff-rate quotas (TRQ)

If a tariff-rate quota applies, you can apply to import a limited amount at a reduced rate of customs duty (tariff). You would need to claim for the tariff-rate quota using the TRQ order number.

Find out more about tariff-rate quotas.

Northern Ireland

If the UK leaves the EU with no deal, the UK government will not introduce any new checks or controls on goods at the land border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The temporary rates of customs duty (tariffs) on imports will not apply to goods crossing from Ireland into Northern Ireland.

Further information

Contact HMRC if you have a question about UK imports after Brexit.

Find out more about importing into the UK if the UK leaves with no deal.

Published 13 March 2019
Last updated 8 October 2019 + show all updates

1. 8 October 2019

   This guide has been updated to match the publication of the new UK Trade Tariff.

2. 20 March 2019

   Added information about Northern Ireland.

3. 13 March 2019

   First published.