Gordon Baird
Director
The UK trade landscape could be set for an important development following the announcement that the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has opened a safeguard investigation into imports of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This is the first new safeguard investigation launched by the TRA since it was established following the UK's departure from the European Union in 2021, making it a significant milestone for UK trade policy.
For businesses involved in importing, manufacturing, packaging, distributing or selling PET products, the investigation is one to watch closely and consider engaging with.
What is PET?
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the world's most widely used plastics. It is commonly used in:
- Beverage bottles
- Food packaging
- Consumer goods packaging
- Polyester fibres and textiles
- Industrial and manufacturing applications
According to the TRA, UK imports of PET exceeded £300 million during 2025, highlighting the scale and economic significance of this market.
Why has the investigation been launched?
The investigation follows an application from Alpek Polyester UK, a UK-based producer of polyester products in Redcar. The TRA will examine whether PET is being imported into the UK in such increased quantities that it is causing serious injury to UK domestic producers.
The period being examined runs from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025.
If the TRA concludes that volume of imports is harming UK industry, it could recommend the introduction of safeguard measures. These are emergency trade defence measures permitted under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules and are designed to give domestic industries temporary protection while they adjust to changing market conditions.
Why is this case significant?
While anti-dumping and countervailing investigations are relatively familiar within global trade, safeguard investigations are less common.
The significance of this announcement lies in the fact that it is the first new safeguard case opened by the TRA since its creation in 2021. This provides an indication of the UK's willingness to utilise its independent trade remedies framework where concerns arise around import volumes and the potential impact on domestic manufacturing.
For UK businesses, it also serves as a reminder that trade policy changes can emerge quickly and have meaningful consequences for supply chains, pricing structures and customs compliance.
What could the impact be for importers?
If safeguard measures are introduced, they could apply to imports from most countries globally and may result in additional duties being imposed on PET imports. Certain developing countries may be exempt, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Businesses importing PET products or goods containing PET may experience:
- Higher import costs
- Increased customs duty liabilities
- Pressure on margins and profitability
- Supply chain disruption
- Changes to sourcing strategies
- Increased customs compliance requirements
Importers may need to reassess procurement arrangements, supplier relationships and landed cost calculations should any measures be introduced.
What could this mean for exporters and manufacturers?
The implications extend beyond direct importers.
UK manufacturers that rely on imported PET as a raw material could see input costs rise if additional duties are introduced.
Packaging companies, food and drink manufacturers, textile businesses and consumer goods producers may all wish to monitor developments closely given the widespread use of PET across multiple sectors.
What should businesses be doing now?
Although no safeguard measures have been imposed at this stage, businesses should take the opportunity to understand their exposure by:
Reviewing import data
Identify whether imports of PET or PET-related products in scope of this investigation form part of your supply chain and assess import volumes and countries of origin.
Assessing duty exposure
Model the potential financial impact of additional customs duties on future imports.
Evaluating supply chain resilience
Consider whether alternative sourcing arrangements may be required if trade measures are introduced.
Engaging with the investigation
The TRA has invited affected parties, including upstream and downstream businesses, to participate in the investigation process and provide evidence through its consultation channels with full information available at Trade Remedies Authority | SG0094_1050
We’re here to help
If your business imports, exports, manufactures or distributes PET products, Azets can help you understand the potential implications of the investigation and prepare for any future customs duty or trade compliance changes. Understanding your exposure early can help mitigate future cost increases and supply chain disruption.
Our customs and excise specialists can help you:
- Assess whether products are affected by the investigation
- Review customs duty exposure
- Analyse supply chain risks
- Consider alternative sourcing strategies
- Review commodity codes, origin and customs processes
- Model financial and operational impacts
- Support responses to TRA consultations where appropriate
Get in touch with our customs and international trade team for tailored advice.