Import from Thailand to UK: UKCA & Duty 2026
Post-Brexit UK import rules for Thai goods — UKCA marking, duty rates, and the UK Global Tariff.
Why this matters in 2026
Global buyers keep asking TUSKO the same practical questions about this topic. This guide is the buyer-oriented version — enough context to make a decision, plan the next step, and brief your team.
What you actually need to know
- Scope: who this affects, which product categories, and where the risk lives.
- Cost drivers: what actually moves your landed cost.
- Timeline: realistic weeks from decision to first container.
- Documents: the paperwork the factory or forwarder must produce for you.
Most first-time buyers underestimate documentation and overestimate factory readiness. Budget one extra iteration on samples and one extra week on customs clearance.
How TUSKO handles this
TUSKO is your single point of contact on the ground in Bangkok, Hanoi, and Jakarta. We shortlist verified factories, negotiate on your behalf, run pre-shipment QC, and coordinate export logistics — the commission is built into the landed cost and drops as your volume grows.
Frequently asked questions
Is CE still accepted in the UK?
For most goods, UKCA is now mandatory in Great Britain, though extensions apply for certain categories. Northern Ireland uses UKNI/CE.
Does the UK have a Thailand FTA?
Not yet. Duties follow the UK Global Tariff, but the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) gives Thailand preferential rates on many lines.
What VAT applies at import?
Standard UK VAT (20%) is charged on the customs value plus duty; VAT-registered importers reclaim it via postponed VAT accounting.