Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will take steps to help protect British businesses in (a) the hobby sector and (b) other sectors from (i) TEMU and (ii) other cheap import companies.

Under the UK’s Low Value Imports Regime, consignments valued below £135 can be imported into the UK without incurring customs duty. This is a common provision in customs regimes around the world designed to avoid disproportionate burdens on low value trade. All overseas retailers that sell goods from abroad to UK consumers are subject to VAT at the same rates as domestic businesses. We keep the operation and impact of our policies relating to imports under review. The Government is committed to working in partnership with businesses to deliver sustained economic growth.