The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) has urged the government to take “urgent action” on low-value small parcel imports into the UK, in order to protect UK suppliers and ensure a level competitive playing field.
At the Autumn Budget 2025, the government announced a consultation on removing relief for low value imports (LVIs), which applies to goods valued at £135 or less imported into the UK, by March 2029 at the latest. The consultation covers the design of the new arrangements, including what data should be collected, how tariffs should be applied, whether an additional fee should be levied on LVIs to fund administration, and potential changes to VAT collection to reflect the new arrangements.
Steve Richardson, BHETA’s General Manager, commented: “Frankly, the pace of change remains far too slow. UK suppliers are facing unfair competition right now, and waiting until 2029 risks further damage to compliant businesses, undermines consumer safety, and continues to reward non-compliance.”
The consultation will end on 6 March 2025. Richardson said it is “imperative” that as many brands as possible respond.
Throughout 2025, BHETA has been actively lobbying the government on the rapid growth of overseas sellers shipping directly to UK consumers via online marketplaces. It added that these products often avoid duty, VAT and the product safety obligations that UK-based businesses must meet.
“The confirmation that the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) will take forward a new approach to marketplace regulation is encouraging news. Following primary legislation through the Products & Metrology Bill in 2025, we expect a consultation on secondary legislation in early 2026 that will enable tougher enforcement of product safety on online marketplaces,” Richardson said.
Looking ahead, BHETA will continue to press the government for much swifter implementation, alongside robust marketplace enforcement, to ensure overseas sellers are subject to the same rules as UK businesses, according to Richardson.
