TariffTel named FDEA Export Awards finalist

We’re thrilled to share that TariffTel has been shortlisted as Export Service Provider of the Year at the FDEA Export Awards 2025. This recognition reflects our critical role in helping UK food and drink businesses navigate complex trade environments with confidence and compliance.

From changing tariffs and post-Brexit regulations to the ongoing shift of global customs requirements, we’ve supported food and drink exporters with expert-led solutions that reduce risk, improve tariff code accuracy, and streamline international trade. Being named a finalist acknowledges not just our industry-leading platform, but our continued commitment to shaping the future of trade with precision and purpose.

How to get customs classification right

Behind every smooth international shipment is an accurate and compliant tariff code. For food and drink manufacturers, this process is anything but simple. Misclassification can result in delayed shipments, unexpected duties, and regulatory fines. The stakes are high and the details matter, especially in this complex sector.

Classification challenges and solutions

1. Food Classification is inherently complex

Classification isn’t just about listing ingredients. It requires a deep understanding of:

-Detailed composition (even minor ingredient changes can impact the code)
-Nutritional data (e.g. sugar, fat, milk content)
-Physical state (frozen, dried, or fresh)
-Country of origin and processing methods
-Packaging and presentation

Take yogurt: change one bacterial culture, and it may fall under a different code. Or consider chocolate, swapping truffle fillings or chocolate types can change the tariff classification.

2. Regulations Don’t Stand Still

Tariff codes evolve. Regulatory shifts, like the 2025 changes affecting tomato classifications, mean staying compliant isn’t a one-time job. Businesses need systems and processes that respond to change in real time.

3. Technology + Expertise = Confidence

Our industry-leading platform combines automation with expert oversight, ensuring compliance and audit-readiness at scale. Key features include:

-Bulk classification with accuracy checks
-Built-in updates reflecting the latest changes to HS codes
-Audit trails and full reporting for compliance
-Expert human reviews for complex or seasonal products

Our work with M&S Food illustrates this. By combining automated data capture with expert classification insight, TariffTel helped M&S achieve 100% compliance, accelerate turnaround times, and support their Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) application.

Why accurate classification matters

Getting classification right gives retailers a competitive advantage. It saves money, avoids disruption, and gives teams confidence to expand into new markets.

Find out more about why using technology is essential for accurate food and drink classification in this webinar 

If you’re a food and drink exporter looking to simplify your classification process, get in touch with our team.