Flat Rate Scheme · trade
Packaging: 9% flat rate
Policy state · verified
Flat Rate Scheme · Packaging: 9%
VAT Notice 733 §4.4 (trade-sector table) · Last verified 13 Jun 2026
gov.uk/guidance/flat-rate-scheme-for-small-businesses-vat-notice-733What HMRC means by this trade
Packaging services.
The flat rate for the HMRC sector “Packaging” is 9%. You apply that percentage to your gross (VAT-inclusive) turnover to work out what you pay HMRC. VAT Notice 733
FRS vs Standard at sample turnovers
The figures below assume 4% recoverable input VAT under the standard method — adjust for your own cost base in the advisor. Positive means the Flat Rate Scheme costs you less than the standard method.
| Net turnover | FRS VAT due | Standard VAT due | FRS saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £3,240 | £4,800 | +£1,560 |
| £50,000 | £5,400 | £8,000 | +£2,600 |
| £80,000 | £8,640 | £12,800 | +£4,160 |
| £120,000 | £12,960 | £19,200 | +£6,240 |
| £150,000 | £16,200 | £24,000 | +£7,800 |
Watch the limited-cost test
If your goods cost less than 2% of your turnover (or less than £1,000 a year), you must use the 16.5% limited-cost rate instead of the 9% sector rate — even though your trade is packaging. Service businesses that buy little in the way of goods are often caught by this. The 1% first-year discount still applies on top.
Flat Rate Scheme advisor · 58 HMRC trade sectors
Your FRS percentage and the FRS-vs-Standard maths
IT & professional services · 11
Trades & construction · 10
Creative & media · 6
Beauty & personal care · 2
Retail & food · 7
Hospitality & leisure · 6
Transport & agriculture · 5
Other services · 11
Other services
Packaging
Packaging services.
HMRC label: Packaging
- FRS VAT due (9% × gross £72,000)
- £6,480
- Standard VAT due (20% output − 4% input)
- £9,600
- Estimated annual saving on FRS
- +£3,120
Input VAT is an estimate you control above — your actual recoverable input VAT depends on your specific VAT-bearing costs. The Flat Rate Scheme does not let you reclaim input VAT (except on certain capital assets over £2,000).
| Net turnover | FRS due | Standard due |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £3,240 | £4,800 |
| £50,000 | £5,400 | £8,000 |
| £80,000 | £8,640 | £12,800 |
| £120,000 | £12,960 | £19,200 |
| £150,000 | £16,200 | £24,000 |
Policy state · verified
Flat Rate Scheme percentages: Packaging · 9%
VAT Notice 733 §4.4 (trade-sector table) · Last verified 13 Jun 2026
gov.uk/guidance/flat-rate-scheme-for-small-businesses-vat-notice-733Other trades
Not quite your trade? Browse all 58 HMRC sectors, or use the search in the advisor above.