Honey Import Duty & Landed Cost: Thailand to United Kingdom
Full 2026 tariff breakdown, customs duty calculations, and compliance alerts for importing into United Kingdom.
2026 Tariff & Cost Breakdown for Importing Honey
The cost of importing honey from Thailand to the United Kingdom includes a 0% duty rate and a 20% VAT rate, calculated on the CIF value in GBP. Honey, classified under HS code 0409.000000, is subject to these rates, which apply to the total CIF value, making the total cost CIF + 0% duty + 20% VAT.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Product Value | — | GBP 23337.60 |
| Shipping | — | GBP 0.00 |
| Insurance | — | GBP 0.00 |
| CIF Value | — | GBP 23337.60 |
| Customs Duty | 0% | GBP 0.00 |
| VAT/GST | 20% | GBP 4667.52 |
| Total Landed Cost | — | GBP 28005.12 |
HS Code Classification for Honey
Primary HS Code: 0409.000000 — What It Covers
HS Code 0409.000000 covers natural honey, with the Food Standards Agency and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs regulating its import. Honey, being a food product, requires compliance with EU Food Law and HACCP certifications.
Why Misclassification Carries Risk in United Kingdom
Misclassifying honey under the wrong HS code can result in financial penalties and potential loss of customs simplifications, as Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs strictly enforces correct classification.
Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Honey from Thailand to United Kingdom
Step 1: Verify Your HS Code & Product Description
Verify the HS code 0409.000000 and ensure the product description matches, as Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs requires accurate classification. Honey, honey, sweet as can be, but compliance is key, so get this step right, Honey.
Step 2: Gather Required Import Documents
Gather all necessary documents, including the commercial invoice, certificate of origin, and packing list, as required by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.
Commercial Invoice Requirements
The commercial invoice must include the country of origin, which for Thai honey is Thailand, and this must also be declared on the customs declaration.
Certificate of Origin
A certificate of origin is required, confirming the honey originates from Thailand, and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs will verify this document.
Packing List & Shipping Documents
A detailed packing list and shipping documents, such as the bill of lading or airway bill, are necessary for customs clearance.
Step 3: Calculate Your Landed Cost
Calculate the landed cost using the formula: CIF + 0% duty + 20% VAT, all in GBP, ensuring you have the total cost of importing the honey.
Step 4: Submit to United Kingdom Customs Authority
Submit the customs declaration and supporting documents to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs for clearance, ensuring all requirements are met.
Step 5: Pay Duties & Clear Goods
Pay the calculated duties and VAT, then clear the goods from customs, allowing the honey to be released into the UK market, and remember, Honey, compliance is sweet.
How to Legally Reduce Duty on Honey Imports into United Kingdom
Applicable Free Trade Agreements in 2026
There is no bilateral Free Trade Agreement between Thailand and the United Kingdom, but Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs offers other programs to reduce duty.
Duty Deferral Options: Bonded Warehouses & FTZs
Consider using Customs Warehousing to defer duty payment, allowing the honey to be stored in a bonded warehouse until sold or used.
Preferential Tariff Programs
The Generalised Scheme of Preferences may offer reduced or zero tariffs for eligible honey imports, but specific conditions apply, and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs enforces these rules.
United Kingdom Customs Compliance Rules for Honey
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs Requirements for Honey
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs requires compliance with EU Food Law and HACCP certifications for honey imports, ensuring food safety and quality standards are met.
De Minimis Threshold
The de minimis threshold is 22 GBP, below which no duty or VAT is payable, but this does not exempt the import from other regulatory requirements, such as Food Standards Agency regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Import Duty from Thailand to United Kingdom
What is the duty rate for importing honey from Thailand to the UK?
The duty rate for importing honey from Thailand to the UK is 0%, but a 20% VAT rate applies. Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs requires accurate classification and documentation.
Do I need a certificate of origin for honey imports?
Yes, a certificate of origin is required, confirming the honey originates from Thailand, and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs will verify this document.
What is the HS code for honey?
The HS code for honey is 0409.000000, which covers natural honey, and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs requires this code for customs clearance.
Can I use a bonded warehouse to store my honey imports?
Yes, you can use Customs Warehousing to store your honey imports, allowing you to defer duty payment until the honey is sold or used, and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs regulates these facilities.
Are there any free trade agreements between Thailand and the UK that can reduce duty?
No, there is no bilateral Free Trade Agreement between Thailand and the United Kingdom, but other programs, such as the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, may offer reduced or zero tariffs.
What are the requirements for country of origin declaration?
The country of origin, Thailand, must be declared on the commercial invoice and the customs declaration, as required by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.