The UK Global Tariff saw significant adjustments in the horticultural sector on 1 June. The day’s key changes included the introduction of new tariff rate quotas for apricots from most non-EU countries and a specific preferential quota for Lebanon. Concurrently, a suite of preferential measures came into force, granting duty-free access for various cut flowers imported from Mexico, including roses and lilies. Overall activity was concentrated in customs duties and preferential rates, with no new trade defence measures loaded.
The themes
Regulatory updates on 1 June were almost entirely concentrated in the agricultural and horticultural sectors, with over 140 changes affecting edible fruits, vegetables, and live plants. The day’s activity was a mix of new tariff quotas and the introduction of liberalising preferential rates, primarily impacting customs duties. Notably, the day passed with no new anti-dumping, anti-subsidy, or safeguard measures being added to the tariff schedule.
Headline items
The most significant changes loaded on 1 June were the establishment of new tariff quotas for apricots (HS 0809100000), effective immediately. A quota with a 10% duty rate was introduced for imports from most countries outside the European Union, while a separate, more favourable quota with a 4% duty was opened for apricots originating in Lebanon.
In a significant trade liberalisation move, a series of new preferential measures also took effect, granting 0% duty rates for various cut flowers imported from Mexico. This affects popular products including roses, carnations, orchids, and lilies, signalling improved market access under a preferential arrangement.
Coming into force
All 164 changes detected on 1 June were effective immediately or back-dated. Of the 69 measures that took effect on this date, the key changes included:
- The new tariff quotas for apricots, as detailed above.
- The 0% preferential duty rates for cut flowers from Mexico.
- A new tariff quota for an unspecified product category, applicable to all countries.
No new future-dated measures were loaded, meaning all regulatory changes published on the day had an immediate impact on customs declarations.
What to watch
The intense focus on agricultural and horticultural goods is typical for this time of year as seasonal trade patterns shift. Importers of fresh produce and flowers should take note of these immediate changes to preferential rates and quota availability, particularly for goods from Mexico and Lebanon. The absence of any new forward-looking measures places the emphasis on compliance with changes that are already in effect.