Sourcing chocolate-covered raisins from China
The selected chocolate-covered raisin tariff candidates all carry 8% UK duty from China. Confectionery from China containing milk cannot be imported into Great Britain. Check the full coating recipe before ordering, including milk powder and butter. Cambridge China Bridge sources chocolate-covered raisins.
Duty and import eligibility
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 1806 covers chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa. The selected candidate lines all carry 8% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions for these lines.
The tariff attaches veterinary control, restriction on entry into free circulation and organic import control. Official guidance prohibits confectionery from China containing milk. For other animal ingredients and the free-circulation restriction, ask your customs broker to confirm the requirement for the actual recipe and ingredient origins. Organic consignments from China require a certificate of inspection.
The table gives classification candidates, not interchangeable codes. A residual cocoa-preparation line needs a recipe that fits that description; pack size and sucrose then distinguish the listed residual lines. Confirm the commodity code using the complete recipe and immediate packaging. See the wider chocolate and cocoa guide for other products.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate products, not filled: candidate for chocolate-covered raisins | 1806 90 39 00 | 8% | None |
| Other cocoa preparations, packs not exceeding 1 kg, sucrose below 70% | 1806 90 90 11 | 8% | None |
| Other cocoa preparations, packs not exceeding 1 kg, sucrose at least 70% | 1806 90 90 19 | 8% | None |
| Other cocoa preparations, larger immediate packs, sucrose below 70% | 1806 90 90 91 | 8% | None |
Specify the raisin and its coating
Agree raisin variety, origin, seedlessness, size, moisture and texture. Specify the coating proportion, cocoa solids, cocoa butter, other fats, sugar, emulsifiers and glazing agents. Obtain the coating supplier's complete ingredient breakdown. A dark appearance does not establish that the coating is milk-free.
Agree the pack format, seal, net weight, shelf life and transport conditions against an approved sample. Confirm the applicable composition rules for chocolate names and food information requirements, including allergens, with the relevant food authority. Review milk, soya and nut information against the recipe rather than copying another product's label.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Wholesale stock order of milk-free chocolate-covered raisins in retail pouches, illustrative under 1806 90 39 00, invoiced at £40,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £43,000. Duty at 8% is £3,440. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £46,440, so it is £9,288. Import taxes total £12,728; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £3,440 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step. This assumes the goods are standard-rated for VAT. Most food for human consumption is zero-rated, and animal feed can be too, in which case no import VAT is due, so check the rate for your product in HMRC's VAT Notice 701/14.
Inspection checklist
Recipe: compare production ingredients and coating supplier records with the approved milk-free formulation.
Raisins: cut sampled pieces to check for seeds, stalks, grit, hard centres and fermented or stale odours.
Coating: check coverage, exposed fruit, cracking, bloom, melting and pieces stuck together.
Packs: check seals, weights, label consistency and temperature records against the agreed specification. Use the inspection guide to define the inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
A supplier may describe a coating as dark chocolate while its recipe includes milk powder or butter. Milk-containing confectionery from China is prohibited, so a sample's taste or colour cannot settle import eligibility. Review the complete recipe before committing to production.
Uneven coating leaves exposed raisins; unsuitable moisture or heat can leave sticky clusters, bloom or hard fruit. Agree acceptance criteria using opened packs and cut pieces, then compare arrival samples with the approved sample and transport records.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on chocolate-covered raisins from China?
The selected candidate lines carry 8% duty in the supplied tariff record. Confirm the code from the recipe and packaging; the duty rate does not establish import eligibility.
Can I import milk chocolate raisins from China?
No. Official guidance prohibits confectionery from China containing milk. Check the coating's complete ingredient list before ordering.
How do I check chocolate raisins for bloom and clumping?
Open sampled packs, check the coating surface and separate the pieces. Compare bloom, cracking, exposed fruit and sticky clusters with the approved sample and transport records.
Do organic chocolate raisins need an import certificate?
Organic consignments from China require a certificate of inspection. Ask your organic control body to confirm the exporter and product eligibility before shipment.