Compostable tableware, landed in the UK
Everything a UK buyer needs to move from enquiry to first container: what the plastics ban means for your range, how GB import works for bagasse and areca, which ports we sail to, and what our terms actually are. Prices quoted in GBP.
- MOQ from 1,000 units
- Production 2–10 weeks, then 25–35 days at sea
- Quoted in GBP
- EN 13432 · EU/UK food-contact
The single-use plastics ban, by nation
Moulded bagasse and pressed areca tableware sit outside the scope of these bans and are the standard replacement format for bakery, takeaway and event service.
England
October 2023Supplying single-use plastic plates, bowls, trays, cutlery and expanded polystyrene food and drink containers to end users is banned.
Scotland
June 2022Single-use plastic cutlery, plates, bowls, straws, beverage stirrers and polystyrene food containers are banned from supply.
Wales
October 2023Single-use plastic plates, bowls, cutlery, stirrers, straws and polystyrene takeaway containers are banned from supply.
Regulation moves; confirm the current position for your product mix with your own compliance adviser before you commit to a range.
Importing into Great Britain, step by step
Six things to have in place. We cover origin documentation; the rest sits with you or your customs agent.
Register for a GB EORI number
Every business importing into Great Britain needs a GB EORI. It is free, issued by HMRC, and usually arrives within a few working days. Your customs agent cannot file an entry without it.
Confirm your commodity codes
We ship moulded bagasse tableware under HS 4823.70, areca palm leaf tableware under HS 4602.19 and moulded cutlery under HS 3924.10. The full 10-digit UK commodity code is your broker's call - confirm it before the entry is filed.
Pre-notify areca consignments
Areca is a plant-based product, so GB entry requires a phytosanitary certificate and an IPAFFS pre-notification. We issue the phytosanitary certificate at origin with every areca shipment; the IPAFFS notification is filed by the importer or their agent.
Account for import VAT and duty
Import VAT applies at 20%. Most UK VAT-registered importers use postponed VAT accounting, declaring and recovering it on the same return rather than paying at the border. Duty depends on the commodity code and origin.
Choose your Incoterm
We trade on EXW, FOB, CIF, CFR, DAP, DDP under Incoterms® 2020. On DDP we handle clearance, duty and import VAT and bill it through; on FOB or CIF your broker files the entry and we supply the full document set.
Register for packaging EPR if it applies to you
UK Extended Producer Responsibility obligations fall on the business placing packaging on the UK market, which is the importer rather than us. We supply the material and weight data your reporting needs.
Routes, terms & pricing
UK port pairs
Sailing from Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Chennai, Mundra to Felixstowe, London Gateway, Southampton. Typical port-to-port transit is 25–35 days. DAP and DDP to inland UK addresses are quoted on request.
Packing & pallets
All export pallets are ISPM 15 heat-treated and stamped. Methyl bromide fumigation is banned in the EU and is never used on our consignments. Carton dimensions and units per carton are printed on every label and published on the spec sheets.
Payment & currency
Quoted in GBP and EUR, held for 30 days.
- 30% advance against proforma invoice, 70% against scanned bill of lading
- Irrevocable letter of credit at sight, confirmed by a UK or EU bank
- Open account terms considered after three completed shipments
Samples
We send a free sample pack of up to 10 pieces per SKU (maximum 50 pieces per request) to registered businesses. The buyer covers courier charges, quoted before dispatch. Samples are picked from current stock and dispatched within 5 business days; allow 7–10 days in transit to the UK and EU.
Volume pricing tiers
Starter
1,000 – 9,999 units
List price
Wholesale
10,000 – 49,999 units
Up to 15% off
Distributor
50,000+ units
Up to 30% off
Indicative discounts against list; final GBP pricing is confirmed on quote against your specification, volume and Incoterm.
What ships with every UK consignment
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, the EN 13432 certificate and food-contact test reports - plus a phytosanitary certificate on areca. Certified industrially compostable to EN 13432.
Best time to reach us from the UK: 09:00 – 11:30 GMT (14:30 – 17:00 IST)