News · UK import rules
What's moving in importing.
Shipping and freight rates, factories in China, trade fairs, UK import rules and the pound against the dollar. Short, sourced, and written for businesses bringing in full containers from China.
HMRC publishes CBAM rates method, default values and emissions guidance
HMRC has explained how quarterly CBAM rates will work, published default emissions values for each sector and added guidance on emissions data, ahead of the start on 1 January 2027.
Consultation on mandatory registration for customs agents closes
HMRC's consultation on requiring customs intermediaries to register before submitting declarations closed on 21 September 2026. HMRC is analysing responses and no start date has been set.
Provisional anti-dumping duty of up to 53% on glass jars and bottles from China
From 9 September 2026, importers of glass containers from China must give a guarantee covering provisional anti-dumping duties of up to 53%, while the investigation continues.
HMRC: import duty and VAT repayments only go to UK bank accounts
HMRC updated its repayment guidance on 1 September 2026 to confirm that overpaid import duty and VAT can only be repaid into a UK bank account.
Anti-dumping duties on bicycles from China kept until 2029
The Trade Remedies Authority has kept anti-dumping duties of 19.2% to 48.5% on bicycles and some bicycle parts from China. The measure will stay in place until 30 August 2029.
TRA reviews anti-dumping duties on Chinese ceramic tableware and kitchenware
The Trade Remedies Authority has opened an interim review of the 13% to 36% anti-dumping duties on ceramic tableware and kitchenware from China, to test whether they are still enough.
HMRC sets out CBAM registration test and lists of goods covered
HMRC has published who must register for the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which starts on 1 January 2027, using a £50,000 threshold. It has also listed the steel, aluminium and other goods in scope.
UK-India trade agreement enters into force
The UK-India free trade agreement entered into force on 15 July 2026. Goods that meet its rules of origin can now be imported at preferential duty rates.
Government confirms end of the £135 customs duty relief for low-value parcels
The government's consultation response confirms that full customs duty relief for consignments worth £135 or less will be removed. New arrangements are due by October 2028 at the latest.
New tariff suspensions take effect from 5 August 2026
New import duty suspensions from the 2025 to 2026 application window came into force on 5 August 2026. They run until 31 December 2028.
New UK steel trade measure starts, with 50% duty above quota
The UK's steel trade measure replaced the old safeguard on 1 July 2026. Imports above the tariff-free quotas in 20 product categories now pay 50% duty, up from the 25% safeguard rate.
You're not on your own. We chase it for you.
Portside chases your factory, forwarder and the port, and shows every container move through eight clear stages. If you're planning your first container, we're happy to talk it through.