Applying for import duty suspensions

This webinar is designed to introduce you to the government’s duty suspensions programme. Suspensions temporarily remove or reduce import duties for specific goods, particularly those that are inputs to production. They support UK manufacturing by reducing businesses’ import costs to help them to be more competitive in the global marketplace.

Since the programme launched in 2021, the government has run regular opportunities in which to apply for new suspensions. As a result, over 400 measures have been implemented at the request of applicants. These suspensions have delivered benefits to businesses across many sectors, including the chemicals, plastics, automotive, and food and drinks industries. The government recently announced the latest application window for new suspensions, which will be open from 11 November 2026 to 3 February 2027.

This session will provide an introduction to the UK’s duty suspensions regime and how businesses can utilise suspensions to reduce their import costs. Members of the BIST suspensions team will talk you through the process for applying for a new duty suspension in the 2026-27 window and the kinds of evidence you can provide to effectively support an application. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions on the regime and the application process.