What are cider duty rates?

UK cider duty rates are the Alcohol Duty charges HMRC publishes for still cider, sparkling cider and related fermented products, banded by ABV and charged per litre of pure alcohol. The live GOV.UK Alcohol Duty rates table is the source of truth; re-check it after every fiscal update. US makers instead follow TTB hard-cider rules.

Updated 2026-10-05

Key facts

Live table. HMRC publishes Alcohol Duty rates for cider (still and sparkling) and other fermented products. [1]
As of. Figures below follow the GOV.UK table last updated 1 February 2026 (rates current when checked 2026-10-05). Re-check the live page after every fiscal update. [1]
Legal meaning. Finance (No. 2) Act 2023 s.49 defines “cider” for Alcohol Duty. [2]
Not advice. These notes are orientation for drinkers and makers — not a filing calculator.

US contrast: TTB rules for hard ciders · TTB cider hub: [3]. Strength context: alcohol content of cider.

What are the UK still-cider Alcohol Duty rates?

Duty is £ per litre of pure alcohol in the product (not per litre of cider), by ABV band — as of 1 February 2026 on GOV.UK: [1]

ABV (still cider, not sparkling)	£ / litre pure alcohol
0 to 1.2%	0.00
1.3% to 3.4%	9.96
3.5% to 8.4%	10.39
8.5% to 22%	30.62
Stronger than 22%	33.99

Sparkling cider uses its own ABV bands on the Alcohol Duty rates guidance (for example 3.5%–5.5% at £10.39 and 5.6%–8.4% at £26.61 as of that update). Draught relief rows also appear there — always open the live GOV.UK table before you file. [1]

Who must care about duty rates?

Commercial producers and importers into the UK. Starting a cidery: how to become a cider maker. Guide: what is cider.

Related on Cider Radar

United Kingdom makers · Glossary: cider

Dates in these notes were checked on 5 October 2026 and are due for review by February 2027.

Cider, perry, calvados and pommeau are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly and follow the legal drinking age where you live.

Questions

Does UK cider duty match US hard-cider tax?

No — different statutes. US producers use TTB cider guidance; UK producers use Alcohol Duty definitions and the HMRC rate table. [3] [1]

Sources

Alcohol Duty rates (beer, cider, spirits, wine and other fermented products) — HM Revenue and Customs (UK)
Finance (No. 2) Act 2023, section 49 (meaning of cider) — legislation.gov.uk
Cider (TTB regulated commodity) — Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)