Upon leaving the EU, the UK established its tariff system for imports. The MFN tariff for cut flowers of heading 0603 was set at 8% for fresh flowers and 10% for flowers and branches/deco that are not fresh.
In practice, most origins were exempted from import duties by various trade deals. However, flowers of non-EU origin traded through the EU were excluded from these deals because of the specific "rules of origin" agreed between the EU and the UK at the time of the UK's exit from the EU (Brexit).
Effective 11-4-2024, the UK has declared a temporary suspension on import duties under code 0603 (cut flowers, blossoms, and flower buds for floral arrangements or for decoration, fresh, dried, bleached, dyed, impregnated, or otherwise prepared). This suspension runs until 30-6-2026.
The suspension is a direct result of various applications by British-based companies for the "Duty suspension" program, in addition to which Union Fleurs has made intensive efforts in recent years to bring the emerging issue to the attention of the British government.
For more information:
Royal FloraHolland
www.royalfloraholland.com