How to Import Cocoa to the UK After Brexit

Step-by-Step Import Process

Step 1: Find a Reliable Supplier

Ghana and Ivory Coast remain the top cocoa origins for UK importers. The UK has signed Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with both West African nations through the UK-Ghana Interim Trade Agreement and UK-Ivory Coast EPA, maintaining duty-free access for raw and processed cocoa. Source from COCOBOD-licensed operators in Ghana or CCC-certified exporters in Ivory Coast. Origin Direct connects you directly with verified cooperatives and buying companies, providing full supply chain visibility from farm to port.

Step 2: Request Samples and Verify Quality

UK food safety standards are now set by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) rather than EFSA. However, current UK contaminant limits largely mirror the former EU regulations. Key parameters: bean count (80-100 beans/100g for Grade I), moisture (max 7.5%), FFA (max 1.75%), cadmium (UK currently follows the same limits as EU Reg. 488/2014: 0.10-0.80 mg/kg depending on product type), ochratoxin A (15 mcg/kg for raw beans), and pesticide MRLs (maximum residue levels) per UK national action levels. Always get an independent lab report before committing.

Step 3: Agree on Commercial Terms

Pricing follows the ICE London cocoa futures (LCC), quoted in GBP per tonne. Common terms are FOB Tema or CIF London Gateway/Felixstowe. Payment is via irrevocable L/C at sight. Contracts should specify UK Global Tariff rates, the applicable EPA preference, crop year, grade, packaging, and any certification requirements. The UK chocolate industry increasingly demands Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, or organic certification, so factor this into sourcing.

Step 4: Supplier Prepares Documentation

• Phytosanitary Certificate - Required by APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) for raw cocoa beans entering the UK.
• Certificate of Origin - For claiming UK EPA preferential rates. Use the approved UK form, not the EU EUR.1.
• Commercial Invoice - Detailing goods, value, Incoterms, and origin.
• Packing List - Full details of container contents.
• Bill of Lading - Clean, on-board ocean B/L.
• Quality Certificate - From COCOBOD QCC or independent surveyor.
• Fumigation Certificate - If treatment was applied.

Step 5: Arrange Shipping

Primary UK ports for cocoa are London Gateway, Port of Felixstowe, Port of Tilbury, and Port of Liverpool. Transit from Tema (Ghana) to London Gateway is 14-16 days. From Abidjan, 12-14 days. Cocoa ships in 20ft dry containers (18-20 MT), bags on pallets or in bulk mega-bags. Ensure containers are food-grade clean and dry. The UK's temperate climate means less risk of condensation than some destinations, but container quality still matters.

Step 6: Clear UK Customs

Post-Brexit, UK customs clearance uses the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), replacing the old CHIEF system. Key requirements:

• Import Declaration - Filed via CDS by your customs broker. You need a UK EORI number (GB-prefixed) to import.
• IPAFFS Notification - For plant products, you must pre-notify via the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS). This replaced the EU TRACES system.
• APHA Checks - Raw cocoa beans may require a plant health check at the Border Control Post (BCP). The phytosanitary certificate must be presented.
• FSA Food Safety - The FSA may conduct risk-based checks on cocoa imports for contaminants. Port health authorities can sample shipments.
• Duty Payment - Raw cocoa beans (HS 1801) enter at 0% under both MFN and the UK-Ghana/Ivory Coast EPA. Processed cocoa products also enter at 0% under the EPA.
• Import VAT - 0% VAT on raw cocoa beans. 20% on processed cocoa products, reclaimable via your VAT return if you are VAT-registered. The UK's postponed VAT accounting system means you do not need to pay VAT at the border; it is accounted for on your VAT return.

Step 7: Receive and Inspect

After customs release, arrange haulage to your facility. Inspect the shipment against contract specifications, pull samples for independent testing, and document everything. File claims within the contractual window (typically 14-21 days). Maintain records for HMRC audit purposes for at least 4 years.

Key Documents Required

• UK EORI number registration
• CDS Import Declaration
• IPAFFS pre-notification
• Commercial Invoice and Packing List
• Bill of Lading
• Phytosanitary Certificate
• Certificate of Origin (UK EPA format)
• Quality Certificate
• Customs Bond (if deferring duty/VAT payments)

HS Codes and Duty Rates

• 1801 00 00 - Cocoa beans, raw or roasted. UK Global Tariff: 0%.
• 1802 00 00 - Cocoa shells and waste. UK Global Tariff: 0%.
• 1803 10 00 - Cocoa paste, not defatted. UK Global Tariff: 8%, 0% under EPA.
• 1804 00 00 - Cocoa butter. UK Global Tariff: 6.1%, 0% under EPA.
• 1805 00 00 - Cocoa powder, unsweetened. UK Global Tariff: 6.1%, 0% under EPA.

For the full HS code reference, see our HS Code Directory.

Common Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Wrong EORI number - Using an EU EORI (starting with a country code like NL or DE) will not work for UK imports. You need a GB-prefixed EORI.
• IPAFFS not filed on time - Failure to pre-notify can result in your shipment being held at the border. File at least 4 hours before arrival for EU goods, 1 business day for rest-of-world.
• EU vs UK certificates of origin - The UK EPA has its own rules of origin. An EUR.1 certificate issued for EU trade is not valid for UK imports. Make sure your supplier uses the correct UK certificate format.
• EUDR does not apply to UK - The UK has not adopted the EU Deforestation Regulation. However, the UK is developing its own due diligence legislation under the Environment Act 2021 (Schedule 17). Prepare for this now by maintaining supply chain traceability.
• Port health delays - Some UK BCPs have limited capacity. London Gateway and Felixstowe are the best equipped for food imports. Avoid routing through smaller ports unless you have confirmed BCP availability.
• Currency risk - Cocoa is traded in GBP on ICE London but your supplier may invoice in USD. GBP/USD volatility post-Brexit adds a layer of currency risk. Consider forward contracts to hedge.

How Origin Direct Makes This Easy

Origin Direct has extensive experience shipping cocoa to UK ports and understands the post-Brexit regulatory landscape. We prepare documentation in the correct UK format, coordinate with APHA-approved Border Control Posts, and ensure your IPAFFS notifications are filed on time. Our direct relationships with West African producers mean you get traceable, high-quality cocoa at competitive prices, and a single point of contact for the entire supply chain from farm to UK warehouse.