Tariffs to remain on wine imported to UK after end of Brexit transition period

Tariffs on wines imported into the UK after the current Brexit transition period ends will not be lifted.

The government has published the UK’s new tariff regime, to replace the EU Common External Tariff from 1 January 2021, revealing that calls by the wine trade to reduce or drop tariffs on imported wines have been ignored.  

Chief executive of the UK’s leading drinks trade body Miles Beale described the decision as “disappointing”, adding: “This runs counter to the government’s narrative that its new UKGT [UK Global Tariffs] takes a ‘common sense approach’, gets rid of nuisance tariffs or reducing administrative burdens. It will not increase choice for consumers, but instead will add an unnecessary barrier to trade.”  

The WSTA had been leading calls for the government to remove costs and administrative burden on the UK drinks industry in the run up to Brexit and the end of transition, with the subsequent burden of Covid-19 and the looming economic crisis adding urgency to such calls.  

“This news just adds to a long list of worries. Government needs to start listening to - and acting upon – suggestions from UK businesses, including taking action now to remove burden and costs on UK businesses and allow them to be more competitive to aid the UK’s economic recovery,” Beale added.

This week the Chancellor warned the UK it faces a “significant” recession, as the chances of hammering out a deal with the EU look increasingly remote.   “It is yet another blow to wine importers, independent wine merchants, pubs, and restaurants at a time when so many are already worried about their businesses and making finances go further,” continued Beale. “ The shutdown of the hospitality sector has been hugely disruptive, and this news just adds to a long list of worries. Government needs to start listening to - and acting upon – suggestions from UK businesses, including taking action now to remove burden and costs on UK businesses and allow them to be more competitive to aid the UK’s economic recovery.”