Sourcing honey from China
Natural honey from China pays 16% UK duty, with no anti-dumping duty, and is a product of animal origin carrying a veterinary control. It must come from an approved country and establishment with a health certificate and IPAFFS pre-notification, and follow the Honey (England) Regulations 2015 on labelling. Test for added syrups. Cambridge China Bridge sources it.
Natural honey from China pays 16% UK duty and carries a veterinary control. Approved countries, residue testing, authenticity and honey labelling explained.
Duty at 16%
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, natural honey other than Mānuka carried 16% duty on goods from China, with a veterinary control measure and no anti-dumping measure. Mānuka honey has its own line.
Honey-based preparations and confectionery are classified elsewhere; confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural honey, other than Mānuka | 0409 00 00 90 | 16% | None |
Animal product controls
Honey is a product of animal origin. GOV.UK guidance requires it to come from an approved non-EU country and establishment, with a health certificate, IPAFFS pre-notification and checks at a border control post, and producing countries need an approved residue monitoring plan. Check the current lists for China and the packer before ordering.
Composition, labels and authenticity
The Honey (England) Regulations 2015, and their equivalents elsewhere in the UK, set composition standards and labelling, including the country or countries of origin. Adulteration with rice or other syrups is the main fraud risk, so ask for authenticity testing by a specialised laboratory as well as residue tests for veterinary drugs and pesticides.
Packing and inspection
Bulk honey ships in food-grade drums; retail jars need food contact evidence. At inspection, check drum seals, moisture content, labels and lot codes.
Cambridge China Bridge sources bulk and retail honey, with approval status, authenticity testing and labels settled before the order. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on honey from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, natural honey carried 16% duty from China, with a veterinary control and no anti-dumping duty.
Does Chinese honey need a health certificate?
Yes. Honey is a product of animal origin and needs an approved country and establishment, a health certificate and IPAFFS pre-notification.
What must a honey label show?
The name and composition rules of the Honey (England) Regulations 2015, including country of origin.
How do I check honey is genuine?
Use specialised authenticity testing for added syrups, alongside residue tests.