Importing bananas you have to pay duty on into the UK

When you import bananas that you have to pay duty on into the UK, the weight of the consignment determines the duty due on them. This applies when using commodity codes:

08039011 00 for fresh bananas originating in the Canary Islands

08039019 00 for fresh bananas originating in any country except the Canary Islands

have the consignment weighed by an authorised weigher at the place they are unloaded

be authorised to use the simplified declaration procedure to declare an estimated weight, and weigh the bananas after they’ve been cleared

A sample from each type of unit, packaging and origin will be weighed by the authorised weigher according to a set scale, which sets out the minimum number of units which need to be inspected. This scale will be contained in the approval letter. An average weight will be established for each sample. These average weights will then be taken as representative of all the other units in the consignment.

The authorised weigher will produce weight certificates confirming the weight of your consignment, and this determines how much duty you pay.

A weigher is authorised by customs for weighing bananas and producing weight certificates.

To become an authorised weigher of bananas you must:

You can get a form to apply to become an authorised weigher by emailing [email protected]. We will only reply during normal office hours.

After you apply to become an authorised weigher

We’ll send you a letter telling you if we’ve approved your application or not. If you do not get approval, the letter explains the reasons why and tells you about the review and appeals procedure.