- Tariffs suspended on a wide range of goods in the fight
against Covid-19
- These build on tariff reliefs in place through 2020,
are available to all importers and are automatically
applied.
- Suspensions planned to last for a year, subject to
regular reviews
Tariffs on medical products used to help fight against
coronavirus have been suspended by the Government in the
fight against the pandemic, lowering costs on these
critical items for organisations across the UK.
The new measures, which ensure no tariffs will be due on
imports of goods including face masks, gloves and other
protective equipment, will come into effect from 1 January
2021.
In May, the Government announced the UK Global Tariff
(UKGT), which will apply to products from countries not
covered by alternative trade agreements following the end
of the EU transition period. Many medical and
pharmaceutical goods, including vaccines, will be made
tariff-free under the UKGT, but the Government is now going
one step further and ensuring there are no additional costs
on any items on the World Health Organisation’s latest list
of critical goods. This includes items like protective
goggles, face masks, hand sanitiser, medical scrubs and
face shields.
Since the start of the pandemic, the UK has removed tariffs
on critical medical products for the NHS and other public
bodies through tariff reliefs. These new suspensions extend
to private sector organisations, including care homes,
which were previously paying tariffs between 2% and 12% on
these goods.
The procurement process will also be more streamlined for
the NHS and other front-line public services, which will
now automatically get these goods tariff-free rather than
having to apply for reliefs. It will keep costs down for
care providers across the public and private sector as we
continue the fight against the virus.
Secretary of State for International Trade, , said:
Throughout this global pandemic, we have been working
tirelessly to protect the public and those bravely
working on the front line. The global need for these
vital goods in 2021 will be just as great as it has been
this year and we continue to work with partners around
the world to keep supply chains flowing.
As we emerge as an independent trading nation, we will
shape our trade policy to the needs of the UK economy and
society and will be a powerful voice for open markets and
free trade.
Financial Secretary to the Treasury said:
Since the beginning of the crisis the Government has
worked to provide those working on the front line the
protective equipment they need. Scrapping tariffs and
streamlining the procurement of these essential items,
such as face masks and gloves, will keep costs down for
care providers as we continue the fight against the
virus.
This follows the Prime Minister’s announcement at the UN
General Assembly in September that the UK would suspend
tariffs on COVID-critical items, as part of the UK’s
five-point global plan to deal with the current crisis and
prevent future pandemics.
Today’s announcement comes as the UK welcomes the Ottawa
Group’s Trade and Health Initiative which encourages
international partners to continue the flow of essential
goods in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. The UK will
implement some of the measures suggested and the tariff
suspensions will come into force for 12 months to the 31
December 2021 and will be subject to ongoing reviews.
