Rice / Europe & UK
MARKET GUIDE · EUROPEPakistani Rice for EU and UK Importers
What an EU or UK importer needs to know before buying IRRI-6 or 1121 rice from Karachi: the border checks, the basmati duty rules and how we prepare a shipment to pass them.
What checks does rice from Pakistan face at the EU border?
Rice from Pakistan (CN 1006) is listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2019/1793, so EU border control posts run identity and physical checks on 10% of consignments for aflatoxins and ochratoxin A, and on 10% for pesticide residues. A shipment that fails is refused, so residue and mycotoxin results matter more than price.
| Aflatoxins and ochratoxin A | 10% of consignments checked (Reg. 2019/1793, Annex I) |
| Pesticide residues | 10% of consignments checked (Reg. 2019/1793, Annex I) |
| Tricyclazole limit in rice | Regulation (EU) 2017/983 limit still applies; a 2023 proposal to raise it to 0.09 mg/kg was opposed by the European Parliament |
| Husked non-basmati rice (1006 20) duty | EUR 30 per tonne from 6 March 2026 (Reg. (EU) 2026/527) |
Does 1121 get the EU zero-duty basmati rate?
No. The EU’s zero duty for basmati applies to husked basmati of listed varieties only, with an authenticity certificate from a competent body in the exporting country. The listed varieties are Basmati 217, Basmati 370, Basmati 386, Kernel (Basmati), Pusa Basmati, Ranbir Basmati, Super Basmati, Taraori Basmati (HBC-19) and Type-3 (Dehradun). 1121 is not on the list, so it pays the normal rate for its code. Check the current rate for your exact CN code in TARIC before pricing.
The United Kingdom
Great Britain also controls rice from Pakistan for pesticide residues, aflatoxins and ochratoxin A; aflatoxins and ochratoxin A were added on 10 July 2026. The UK’s approved basmati varieties include Kernel Basmati (Pakistan), Pusa Basmati and Super Basmati; 1121 is not listed. Check the UK Trade Tariff for the rate on your commodity code.
How we prepare a shipment for Europe
- Pre-shipment residue and mycotoxin testing agreed with you before loading, alongside SGS inspection of quantity and condition.
- Moisture verified close to container sealing (IRRI-6 13.5% maximum, 14% for 25% broken; 1121 12.5% maximum).
- Phytosanitary and fumigation certificates, certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading matched to your contract.
- Payment on a confirmed, irrevocable letter of credit.
Our halal chilled beef is supplied to Middle Eastern and African markets. It is not offered to the UK, which does not list Pakistan as an approved source of fresh beef.
Questions buyers ask
What border checks apply to Pakistani rice in the EU?
Rice from Pakistan is in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2019/1793: 10% of consignments get identity and physical checks for aflatoxins and ochratoxin A, and 10% for pesticide residues. Checked 2 November 2026.
Is 1121 rice eligible for the EU zero-duty basmati rate?
No. The zero duty covers husked basmati of nine listed varieties with an authenticity certificate; 1121 is not one of them.
What is the EU tricyclazole limit for rice?
The limit set by Regulation (EU) 2017/983 still applies. A 2023 Commission proposal to raise it to 0.09 mg/kg was opposed by the European Parliament in December 2023.
What controls apply to Pakistani rice in the UK?
Great Britain controls rice from Pakistan for pesticide residues, aflatoxins and ochratoxin A. The UK basmati list includes Kernel Basmati (Pakistan), Pusa and Super Basmati, but not 1121.
Does Prelude ship halal beef to the UK?
No. Pakistan is not on the GB list of approved sources for fresh meat of ungulates, so Prelude supplies rice only to UK buyers.