Regulatory activity on 31 May 2026 was overwhelmingly concentrated in Chapter 97 (Works of art, collectors’ pieces and antiques), where dozens of conditions were removed and descriptions updated. This large-scale adjustment coincided with the scheduled end of several seasonal measures, including preferential import rates for fresh produce and cut flowers from origins such as Mexico, Morocco, and Lebanon, and the expiry of a customs duty on peas from all countries.
The themes
The vast majority of regulatory changes detected on 31 May 2026—64 of 76 records—were focused on a single product area: Chapter 97, Works of art, collectors’ pieces and antiques. The changes were primarily administrative, with a large number of conditions being removed, suggesting a simplification or restructuring of the rules governing imports in this sector.
Separately, the day marked a point of seasonal transition for agricultural trade. A raft of measures expired, primarily ending preferential tariff rates for fresh produce and flowers as their import seasons concluded.
Headline items
No new trade defence measures, quotas, or significant duty changes were loaded into the tariff on 31 May 2026.
Coming into force
All 76 changes detected were effective immediately on 31 May. The most notable of the 45 measures that came into force were those that ended, including:
- Seasonal customs duty suspension: The suspension of customs duties on peas (HS 070810) from all countries expired.
- Preferential rates: Several preferential entry price schemes and tariff rates for fresh produce from North Africa and the Middle East concluded. This affected tomatoes and cucumbers from Morocco, tomatoes from Tunisia, and potatoes from Lebanon.
- Tariff quotas: Two tariff quotas for apricots, including one for imports from Lebanon, came to an end.
- Cut flowers: Preferential rates for a range of cut flowers from Mexico, including roses, carnations, and orchids, also expired.
What to watch
The high volume of condition and description changes for art and antiques is the day’s most significant development. While the removal of conditions often points toward liberalisation or simplification, importers of goods in Chapter 97 should verify how these extensive changes affect their specific declaration requirements and customs procedures going forward.