Trade & Investment
Haiti has preferential access to the UK market under the DCTS — and it is time for our businesses to use it. The UK market is open. The tools are in place. The opportunity is now.
Section 01
Total trade between Haiti and the UK currently stands at just £6 million per year. Haiti is the UK's 209th largest trading partner — yet Haiti produces world-class goods that UK buyers actively want.
Source: GOV.UK
Section 02
A starting point — not a ceiling. Source: tradingeconomics.
The vast majority currently go to the United States. The DCTS opens a direct lane to redirect a share of that production toward the UK.
Source: The Observatory of Economic Complexity
Section 03
Haiti is the world's leading producer of vetiver, supplying approximately half of global production. The root is used in luxury perfumes and is in growing short supply worldwide. Vetiver and other essential oils have been identified as priority agricultural exports with significant growth potential. Under DCTS, these products enter the UK duty-free — directly competitive with Europe's top fragrance and cosmetics supply chains.
Source: Agricarib / Enhancedif
Haiti's garment industry is its largest export sector. Under the DCTS Comprehensive Preferences tier, Haiti benefits from duty-free, quota-free access on 85% of eligible goods. Haitian manufacturers producing for the US market can now look to the UK as a second major destination without additional compliance burden.
Source: UN
Coffee and cocoa beans have been identified as key agricultural products with export potential. Haitian cacao is noted for its distinct, rich flavour profile, increasingly sought in specialty and artisan markets. Both enter the UK at zero tariff under DCTS.
Source: Enhancedif
Haiti has a strong tradition of handcrafted goods — metalwork, papier-mâché, woodcraft and textiles. The UK Home and Gifts sector actively sources from developing countries, and Haitian artisan producers are well positioned to supply it.
Haitian clairin and aged rums are gaining international recognition. Under DCTS, spirits and liquors from Haiti enter the UK at preferential rates, opening access to one of the world's most active premium spirits markets.
Section 04
Zero or reduced tariffs
Under the DCTS, Haitian goods can enter the UK market at preferential rates, making them more competitive against global rivals. The DCTS applies to 65 countries across three tiers of preferences, with the least developed countries receiving the most generous treatment. Haiti benefits from flexible Rules of Origin, with the ability to source inputs from up to 90 countries — one of the most generous provisions in the scheme.
Source: House of Commons Library
Everything you need to export is online
UK Trade Tariff Tool
Look up commodity codes, duty rates and VAT for any product instantly.
UK Importer Database
Search by product or HS code to find verified UK buyers and traders ready to source from Haiti.
DCTS Digital Guides
7 step-by-step PDF resources covering every aspect of trading under the scheme.
UK Standards & Regulatory Requirements
Know exactly what quality certifications your products need before they ship.
Free webinars for Haitian exporters
Available recorded webinars
Contact the Embassy for access links to all webinar recordings.
Section 05
The essentials every Haitian exporter and UK buyer should know.
Scheme launched
June 2023
Updated Rules of Origin
January 2026
Countries covered
65
Haiti's tier
Comprehensive Preferences
Tariff on eligible goods
Zero
Rules of Origin cumulation
Up to 90 countries
Current Haiti–UK trade
£6 million / year
Potential
Significant & untapped
The Embassy supports Haitian exporters with introductions, guidance and access to official DCTS resources.
