Our use of Cookies

This site uses only cookies strictly necessary to ensure the site works correctly.

Please read about how we use cookies.

Hide this message

Strictly necessary and non-essential cookies

By clicking accept all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies and to our cookie policy.

We use third-party cookies on this site.

You have accepted necessary cookies only

You can change your cookie settings at any time
Hide this message

Logo - Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs

BETA Your feedback will help us improve the UK Plant Health Information Portal

Import Fees Overview

  1. Home
  2. Trade
  3. Imports
  4. Imports into GB
  5. Import Fees
  6. Import Fees Overview

Import Fees Overview

Current fees 

Fees are aligned to the frequency of checks set in the GB focused risk-based inspection regime. Additionally, for consignments of plants for planting and cuttings, a flat rate fee is applied for all imports checks (documentary, identity and physical) in England and Wales. This will be applied regardless of the intended use of the goods and is in line with the recent consultation on this matter. This does not apply for Scotland (see below for more details).  

For more information on the import inspection fees in England & Wales please see the new EU Imports to England & Wales Fees.

What are import fees? 

When certain plants and plant products enter the UK, they undergo three types of checks: documentary, identity and physical checks. A documentary check entails the examination of official certifications, attestations and other commercial documents that are required to accompany the consignment. An identity check entails a visual inspection to verify that the contents of a consignment correspond with the information provided in the accompanying documentation. A physical check entails a check on the goods to verify that they are compliant with the phytosanitary import requirements of the country of destination. This includes, as appropriate, checks on the consignment’s packaging and means of transport. Sampling for laboratory testing or diagnosis may also be required, if this is the case a further fee will be applied.   

These services incur costs, and it is UK government policy is to recover the costs of carrying out official checks to manage risks arising from commercial activity. This includes the costs of inspections to reduce risks to plant health from the trade in plants and plant produce.   

In England and Wales, the charges are set out in the Plant Health etc. (Fees) (England) Regulations 2018 and the Plant Health etc. (Fees) (Wales) Regulations 2018 respectively.

The import inspection fees for goods imported from the EU into England and Wales are the same, but charges differ for Scotland. Please see below for additional information on import fees for Scotland. Import inspection fees are charged for imports of regulated goods from non-EU countries and for imports of high-priority plants and plant products from the EU. 

Why are importers charged fees? 

It has long been UK Government policy to charge for many publicly provided goods and services. The standard approach is to set fees to recover the full costs of the checks and to deliver this service. This relieves the general taxpayer of costs, so that they are properly borne by users who receive the service. This allows for a more equitable distribution of public resources and enables lower public expenditure.  

UK plant health services operate in-line with the principle of full cost recovery. Plant health fees are reviewed regularly and adjusted to ensure no under, or over, recovery of costs and amended as necessary.  

England and Wales 

How have import fees been calculated? 

Information on how plant health import fees are calculated and paid, can be found here.

The fee level is also directly related to how long it takes inspectors to carry out the physical inspections.  For example, a bulb inspection fee is higher than the fee for inspecting cuttings; this is because it takes longer to inspect.   

The methodology used to calculate the flat rate fee for plants for planting and cuttings was consulted on in 2022. The methodology used to calculate all other fees was fully consulted on in 2017 and has not changed. By charging fees on a blanket basis, the charges are dramatically reduced for the individual, rather than only charging those whose goods are inspected a much larger amount. This approach also provides businesses with certainty over the fees they will be charged, rather than landing them with a bill of a larger amount if their consignment is selected for inspection. This method of fee charging was agreed by trade in a 2017/2018 consultation.   

Fees for Scotland 

In Scotland, a similar charging system applies; fees for EU goods are set out in the Plant Health (Import Inspection Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 2014. Not all goods are subject to the fees laid out in the pages linked below.

Businesses should refer to the legislation linked above for full details of the fees and the specific goods covered. The same methodology is used as in England and Wales; however, Scotland charges are based by total quantity/weight of consignments. All charges are rounded up to the nearest pound except for the additional quantity values which are rounded up to the nearest penny.  For Scotland, the import fees will be aligned with the new inspection frequency rates based on existing charges.  

Calculate your import inspection fees: 

Imports from non-EU counties and high-risk imports from EU countries to England and Wales 

Imports from non-EU countries and high-risk imports from EU countries to Scotland 

This should be read in conjunction with the Plant Health (Import Inspection Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 2014 as amended in the 2022 amendment.