Government to scrap import tariffs on more than 100 products, including marmalade and gherkins

On the eve of Wednesday's Budget, the UK government set out a package of "everyday fixes" meant to ease the financial pressure on households. One of them is the removal of import tariffs on more than 100 products.

Which products will get cheaper

According to the government's announcement, the list includes marmalade and other citrus jams, gherkins, garlic, sweets, throat pastilles and plant-based drinks. The announcement also mentions baked beans and chocolate. The removal of tariffs will also cover fertiliser for farmers and kerosene heating oil used in homes.

For marmalade, the government is dropping a 20% tariff and an additional charge of £19 per 100 kg of imported goods. For gherkins, the previous rate was 12%.

The government estimates that, together with tariffs suspended earlier, including on pasta, fruit juice and tuna, the changes could save households up to £21 a year on their food shop.

Other parts of the package

The Chancellor also announced:

• an end to the Carer's Allowance cliff edge: instead of losing the whole benefit after exceeding the earnings limit, support is to be reduced gradually;
• permanently keeping the higher tax-free rates for using a private car for work: 55p per mile up to 10,000 miles a year, with the rate above that limit rising from 25p to 35p;
• two weeks of paternity pay for self-employed fathers, worth up to £194 a week;
• hundreds of additional Post Office posting points.

According to the BBC, cited by Polish Express, the government is also expected to freeze fuel duty again and keep the 5p cut.

Mr Healey said conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have contributed to higher living costs. He added: "We can't control events around the world, but we can act where we are able to make a difference". The Conservative Party criticised the package, calling it an insult to families hit by tax rises introduced by Labour.

What this means for you

The list includes products many people buy regularly, such as gherkins, marmalade and garlic. Removing tariffs may lower import costs, but the government has not said that shops will cut shelf prices. The estimated saving (up to £21 a year per household) is the government's own calculation. People who care for others and receive Carer's Allowance may benefit from the change to the earnings limit. Further details are expected in the Budget.