The government has released the list of 125 “everyday essentials” it intends to cut tariffs on as part of efforts to reduce the impact of the rising cost of living due to the Middle East war.
First announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves last week, the list includes garlic, white chocolate, bread and baked beans.
A consultation seeking views from businesses and other stakeholders runs until 24 June.
In a separate consultation, the government is looking for feedback on whether suspension of tariffs on certain fertilisers could help farmers cope with the impact of rising fertiliser prices as a result of the Middle East war.
The government said it recognises that temporary tariff reductions on goods “may have unforeseen effects on domestic business and other UK stakeholders”.
The cut in tariffs is one of several measures the government has announced to reduce costs for consumers and some businesses.
There’s also a scheme reducing VAT to 5% for various family activities over the summer, extension of the cut in fuel duty, and an increase in the tax‑free mileage rate for people using their own vehicle for work.
There are also funding schemes for the chemicals and ceramics industries aimed at cutting business costs.
Rachel Reeves said:
“The war in Iran isn’t our war, but one we will need to respond to, and my priority is keeping prices down for households and businesses.
“That’s why we’re freezing fuel duty, increasing the mileage rate for the first time in 15 years and slashed VAT temporarily this summer to help reduce the cost of days out.”
The full list of products:
- Garlic
- Gherkins
- Aubergines
- Sweet peppers
- Other peppers (capsicum/pimenta)
- Olives (fresh/chilled)
- Olives (for oil production)
- Olives (frozen)
- Plantains (fresh and dried)
- Bananas (fresh and dried)
- Limes
- Citrus fruits (various)
- Avocados
- Fresh figs
- Dried figs
- Other fresh fruits
- Frozen fruits
- Dried apricots
- Dried apples
- Dried peaches/nectarines
- Dried pears
- Dried papaya
- Mixed dried fruit
- Mixed nuts
- Mixed fruit and nuts
- Green tea
- Buckwheat
- Fonio
- Quinoa
- Olive oil (extra virgin)
- Olive oil (virgin)
- Olive oil (other)
- Margarine
- Mixed fats and oils
- Vegetable oils
- Chewing gum
- Liquorice products
- White chocolate
- Marzipan and pastes
- Throat pastilles
- Sugar confectionery
- Boiled sweets
- Toffees and caramels
- Sugar tablets
- Cocoa paste
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate (bulk and retail)
- Chocolate bars
- Chocolate with fruit, nuts or cereal
- Chocolate spreads
- Chocolate drink preparations
- Couscous
- Crispbread
- Gingerbread
- Biscuits
- Waffles and wafers
- Rusks
- Toasted bread products
- Bread
- Pizzas and quiches
- Pickled peppers
- Prepared vegetables
- Crisps
- Processed potatoes
- Baked beans
- Preserved beans
- Preserved vegetables
- Preserved tropical fruit
- Candied fruit
- Jams and marmalades
- Preserved citrus fruits
- Mixed preserved fruit and nuts
- Tomato ketchup
- Tomato sauces
- Soups and broths
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Plant-based drinks