 0800 690 6310

 enquiries@ukimportservices.com

We can assist you with importing rice into the UK — including shipping, documentation, and customs clearance.

Contact our Imports Team for personalised advice and a competitive quote: Email: enquiries@ukimportservices.com | Phone: 0800 690 6310

Important: Rules Change Frequently

Import requirements for rice and other grains can change regularly due to updates from the Port Health Authority, DEFRA, and HMRC. Always check the latest official guidance before shipping.

Key Requirements for Importing Rice

1. Pre-Notification via IPAFFS (CHED-D) Most rice imports are classified as high-risk food of non-animal origin. You must submit a CHED-D pre-notification through the IPAFFS system before the goods arrive in the UK. → Select the option for “High risk food and feed of non-animal origin”.
2. Commodity Code (HS Code) You need the correct 10-digit UK commodity code to determine duty rates, VAT, licences, and restrictions. Rice falls under Chapter 1006 of the UK Integrated Online Tariff. → Visit our Commodity Classification Codes page or ask your supplier for their HS code so we can match it to the UK code.
3. Import Licence Some types and quantities of rice may require an import licence from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

   Contact the RPA directly to confirm whether your shipment needs one: Phone: +44 (0) 3000 200 301 | Email: ruralpayments@defra.gov.uk

4. VAT on Rice Basic rice for human consumption is usually zero-rated for VAT. However, rice imported for other purposes or commercial processing may be subject to standard VAT (20%). You will also need a valid EORI number for commercial imports.

Importing Basmati Rice?

Certain grades of authentic Basmati rice may qualify for import duty relief if accompanied by a valid Certificate of Authenticity. Check current requirements with the Rural Payments Agency, as rules can change.

Note: Import rules, controls, and documentation requirements for rice are subject to frequent updates. We strongly recommend contacting us before shipping so we can confirm the latest requirements for your specific shipment.

Ready to import rice? Get in touch with our Imports Team today for expert guidance and a clear quote.

We can certainly assist you when you import Rice into the UK. Contact a member of our team for more information and costs. Email us at enquiries@ukimportservices.com or call us on (T) 0800 690 6310.

Before you can import any rice in to the UK, you will need to complete an online CHED-D declaration on the DEFRA’s IPAFFS system. Here is a link to the form:

Download blank CHEDs – Import and export applications – GOV.UK (import-products-animals-food-feed.service.gov.uk

*ensure that you select the option to say that it is ‘High risk food and feed of non-animal origin

Classification of Rice – As per the UK Customs online tariff

Before you can find out any information, such as: Duty Rate, VAT rate, Licences, Documentation, Restrictions etc. on any product including Rice, you must first obtain the commodity classification (10-digit) code

The section of the UK Customs Tariff relating to Rice, is section 1006. Click here to visit our dedicated webpage to commodity classification codes or contact your supplier and ask them for their local HS code for the rice, and we will be able to advise which UK code is nearest to it.

(Q) Do I need an Import Licence to import Rice into the UK?

(A) This may depend on the type and quantity of Rice you are importing. To find out whether you need a licence for your particular type and quantity of Rice, you will need to contact: The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) Import Licencing (T) +44 (0) 3000 200 301 ukimports.

Email: ruralpayments@defra.gov.uk

(Q) If I need a licence, can I get a licence which covers multiple shipments?

(A) Nobody can decide that other than you. If you are thinking of having one licence covering several different shipments, then be warned that if the Customs Clearance agent/broker accidently exhausts the whole licence, then this will cause you major problem when importing the remaining rice that was supposed to be covered by that licence. The RPA (mentioned above) should be able to confirm all of this. ukimports

(Q) Food items and VAT – Do I need to pay VAT on Rice?

(A) As per the HM Revenue & Customs Public Notice 701/14 (May 2024), Section 3.1, which covers the VAT Act 1994, it states:

• Schedule 8, Group 1 specifies when food of a kind is used for human consumption is zero-rated, which is mostly ‘Basic unprocessed foodstuffs’.

Please note: Any food items imported for any other purpose than human consumption may be subject to VAT, so please be sure to check before importing. Also any food being imported for a Commercial purpose, means that you will still need to have an EORI Number.

Click here for further information on the subject of EORI numbers.

Importing Basmati Rice?

If you are looking to import Basmati Rice, did you know that if it is of a certain grade, then with a ‘Certificate of Authenticity’ you may be able to claim relief from Import Duty. Check with the Rural Payment Agency (RPA) for more information. ukimports

For more information on importing rice, please feel free to contact a member of our Imports Team, on 0800 690 6310, or email us at: enquiries@ukimportservices.com.

Other related pages:

• Sea Freight – Full Container – UK Charges
• UK Customs Clearance
• UK Deliveries
• Contact us