Introduction to the Tariff

Introduction

If you trade internationally, importing and exporting both inside and outside the European Union (EU) can seem complicated, but there are plenty of resources available to help make it easier. The Integrated Tariff of the United Kingdom, also known as the Tariff, is particularly useful. The Tariff could be mistaken for an additional duty that you have to pay, but is actually a guide that clarifies what you as an importer or exporter need to know and the rates of duty you should pay.

This guide explains what the Tariff is and what information is contained in each volume, details of the online EU customs database (known as the TARIC) and how it relates to the Tariff, and how to classify your goods by using the Tariff Classification Service. It also shows you how to apply for reduced duty on your goods and explains what Binding Tariff Information is.

This guide contains intermediate information. For basic information, see our guide on international trade paperwork: the basics and for additional intermediate and detailed guidance, see our section on using the UK Trade Tariff.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• What the Tariff is
• Commodity codes and the TARIC
• Enforcing the Tariff
• Classifying goods and how to do it
• Tariff quotas
• Binding Tariff Information and banned and restricted goods
• Further help and advice on the Tariff

Print options - What are my print options - Opens in a new window

• Add guide to my print portfolio (print later as PDF)

Email options - What are my email options - Opens in a new window

• Tell a friend about this page
• Send me an email alert when this guide changes