Sourcing horticultural peat moss from China
Horticultural peat moss from China carries 0% UK duty under 2703 00 00 00. The key plant-health distinction is material composed entirely of unused peat, which is excluded from the organic growing-media prohibition. Confirm composition before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources horticultural peat moss.
Duty on horticultural peat moss
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 2703 covers peat, including peat litter, whether or not agglomerated. This guide concerns horticultural peat moss supplied as peat for growing-media use. The supplied tariff extract contains only the commodity line shown in the table.
Goods from China under 2703 00 00 00 carry 0% duty. The supplied extract records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, no suspension and no attached import control. Separately, official plant-health guidance excludes material composed entirely of unused peat from the organic growing-media prohibition. Have APHA check any soil-containing, used or blended material before ordering.
Confirm the commodity code using the actual composition and processing details, particularly where additives are present. For other peat products, see the wider peat guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure, unused horticultural peat moss | 2703 00 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify peat identity and growing performance
Specify decomposed horticultural peat rather than loose sphagnum moss. Ask for the extraction origin, processing description and confirmation that the material is unused. Identify any added lime, fertiliser, wetting agent, bark or soil. Match the purchase specification to the composition submitted for the import check.
Agree particle-size distribution, fibre content, acidity, electrical conductivity and moisture acceptance limits. Define whether the declared volume refers to compressed material or material after expansion, and agree the measurement method. Request batch test results and retain an approved sample.
Trial rewetting, drainage and expansion in your intended growing system before approving production. The government's carbon budget delivery plan states an intention to legislate for a ban on peat sales when Parliamentary time allows. Confirm the sales position for your destination and customer channel before committing to stock.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 4 tonnes of pure, unused horticultural peat moss in compressed bales under 2703 00 00 00, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,800, so it is £1,160. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match bale markings, batch records and composition declarations to the approved pure, unused peat specification.
Properties: sample across the consignment and compare moisture, acidity, conductivity, grading and fibre content with agreed limits.
Performance: check expanded volume, rewetting and drainage using the agreed preparation and measurement method.
Packing: check torn wrapping, wet patches, foreign matter and damaged bales on arrival. Record discrepancies and retain samples; see quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A supplier may use 'peat moss' for materially different products. Loose moss, decomposed peat and blended potting media need separate specifications. Unapproved additives can also undermine the basis of the plant-health assessment. Do not accept a product name as proof of composition.
Orders can fail when compressed volume is compared with expanded volume, moisture varies between bales, or dry material rewets unevenly. Excess fines and inconsistent fibre content can change drainage. Agree the test method before shipment and investigate discrepancies before blending the delivered material.
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 horticultural peat moss from China?
The supplied tariff extract gives 0% duty under 2703 00 00 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension.
Can pure horticultural peat moss be imported from China?
Official guidance excludes material composed entirely of unused peat from the organic growing-media prohibition. Confirm that the shipment matches that description; ask APHA about blends or contamination.
Is horticultural peat moss the same as sphagnum moss?
Do not treat the names as interchangeable. Specify decomposed peat or loose moss explicitly, and obtain a sample and composition declaration before confirming classification.
Is a horticultural peat sales ban already in force?
The government plan reviewed states an intention to legislate when Parliamentary time allows. That statement does not establish a ban in force. Confirm the current position for your destination before ordering.