The Government has published the UK’s new tariff
regime which will replace the EU’s Common External Tariff on 1
January 2021 at the end of the Transition
Period. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-tariffs-from-1-january-2021
Commenting on news that wine tariffs will not
be lifted, Miles Beale, Chief Executive of the Wine and
Spirit Trade Association, said:
“It’s disappointing that the Government has ignored the
UK’s world leading wine industry and chosen to keep wine tariffs
when the transition period ends on 31 December. This runs
counter to the Government’s narrative that its new
UKGT 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.
This week the Chancellor warned the UK it faces a
significant recession. Today there is more unwelcome news from
Government, with the prospects of reaching a deal
with the EU looking increasingly unlikely, the UK’s 33 million
wine drinkers will be faced with price increases on about half
the wine they enjoy.
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. 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.”
