ARK INTERNATIONAL (GB) LTD — UK Food Importer | Bill of Lading Data & CN8 HS Code Analysis (PNUM6990)

ARK INTERNATIONAL (GB) LTD is a UK-based food import and distribution company headquartered in Dagenham, London. This page presents a detailed analysis of the company's import activity based on bill of lading data and CN8 commodity code records from 2016 to 2024. The dataset reveals that ARK INTERNATIONAL imports a diverse range of food products — primarily rice (both parboiled and non-parboiled medium grain), toasted bread products, spices, and cooked pasta — with a total of 38 documented shipments across 5 CN8 product categories over an 8-year period.

The company's import portfolio reflects a strategic focus on staple foods and convenience food items that cater to the UK's diverse and multicultural food market. The emphasis on rice (16 combined shipments of parboiled and non-parboiled varieties) positions rice as the core business, while spices, bread, and pasta complement the offering to serve food manufacturers, ethnic food markets, restaurants, and potentially retail distribution channels. This analysis is sourced from TurkExim's trade intelligence database, which aggregates UK and EU customs declarations.

Company Profile: ARK INTERNATIONAL (GB) LTD

ARK INTERNATIONAL (GB) LTD is a food import and distribution company registered in the United Kingdom. The '(GB)' in the company name indicates its British registration, distinguishing it from potential affiliated entities in other countries. The company operates from Dagenham, East London — a location that provides strategic access to the Port of Tilbury, the Thames Gateway logistics corridor, and London's extensive food distribution network.

Based on the analysis of bill of lading data and CN8 commodity code records spanning 2016 to 2024, ARK INTERNATIONAL has maintained a consistent import operation focused on food products. The company's product portfolio centers on rice (both parboiled and non-parboiled medium grain varieties), complemented by toasted bread products, spices, and cooked pasta. The company's website (arkint.co.uk) references prawns, suggesting that seafood may also be part of their broader product offering, although this is not captured in the CN8 customs data analyzed here.

Key Company Facts

• Company Name: ARK INTERNATIONAL (GB) LTD
• Country: United Kingdom (GB)
• Location: Dagenham, London (East London)
• Business Type: Food Importer & Distributor
• Specialization: Rice, baked goods, spices, pasta, and potentially seafood
• Active Import Period: 2016–2024 (documented)
• Total Documented Shipments: 38
• CN8 Product Categories: 5

CN8 HS Code Import Analysis — Product Breakdown

The following analysis presents the 5 main CN8 product categories imported by ARK INTERNATIONAL, ranked by shipment frequency. Each product card includes the CN8 code, HS classification, product description, number of shipments, active import period, and a detailed analysis of the product's significance to the company's business.

Import Pattern Analysis

The import pattern of ARK INTERNATIONAL reveals several important characteristics about the company's business operations and market strategy:

Temporal Distribution

• 2016–2024 active period: The company has maintained import operations for at least 8 years, indicating an established and sustainable business;
• Consistent shipment frequency: Averaging approximately 5 shipments per year (38 shipments / 8 years), suggesting regular replenishment cycles typical of food distribution;
• Peak product: Parboiled rice (9 shipments) shows the longest and most consistent import history, from 2016 to 2024;
• Spice imports started 2017: Slightly later than other products, suggesting an expansion of the product portfolio;
• Non-parboiled rice last imported 2022: This variety may have been discontinued or replaced by parboiled alternatives.

Product Mix Analysis

• Rice dominance: Combined rice shipments (parboiled + non-parboiled) total 16 out of 38 (42%), making rice the clear core product;
• Complementary products: Spices, bread, and pasta are typically sold alongside rice in ethnic food supply chains, suggesting ARK INTERNATIONAL serves South Asian, Middle Eastern, or other ethnic food markets in the UK;
• Convenience food trend: Cooked/prepared pasta (7 shipments) and toasted bread (8 shipments) indicate participation in the growing UK convenience and ready-meal food sector;
• Shelf-stable focus: All imported products are shelf-stable (non-perishable), which simplifies logistics and storage — typical of a dry goods food distributor.

Business Strategy & Market Positioning

Based on the import pattern analysis, ARK INTERNATIONAL's business strategy can be characterized as follows:

• Ethnic food market focus: The combination of rice, spices, and bread strongly suggests the company serves the UK's South Asian, Middle Eastern, or African ethnic food markets. These communities consume rice as a staple and use spices extensively;
• Multi-product distributor: Rather than specializing in a single product, ARK INTERNATIONAL offers a portfolio of complementary food items, allowing it to serve as a one-stop supplier for ethnic food retailers and restaurants;
• Import-to-distribute model: The company appears to import directly from overseas suppliers (country of origin not specified in available data) and distribute within the UK market, likely through wholesale channels;
• Dagenham location strategy: East London positioning provides access to both the Port of Tilbury (for container imports) and London's diverse ethnic food markets (Tower Hamlets, Newham, Redbridge — all with large South Asian and African populations);
• Stable, diversified sourcing: The consistent import of 5 product categories over 8 years demonstrates business stability and diversified risk across multiple product lines.

UK Import Duties for ARK INTERNATIONAL Products

Post-Brexit, the UK applies its own Global Tariff (UKGT) for imported goods. The applicable duties for ARK INTERNATIONAL's product categories are:

• Rice (HS 1006.30): UK rice imports are subject to specific duties — milled rice can attract duties of approximately £40–150 per ton depending on origin, rice type, and quota status. Countries with preferential trade agreements (e.g., DCTS beneficiaries) may receive reduced or zero rates;
• Toasted bread/rusks (HS 1905.40): Typically 0–12% ad valorem depending on country of origin. Many developing countries benefit from 0% duty under the UK's DCTS;
• Spices (HS 0910.99): Most spices enter the UK at 0% MFN duty, making spice imports duty-free regardless of origin;
• Cooked/prepared pasta (HS 1902.30): 0–10% depending on origin and specific preparation. Stuffed or cooked pasta may attract higher rates than dry pasta;
• VAT: All food imports are subject to UK VAT at 20% (standard rate) applied to the customs value plus any import duty. Some basic foodstuffs may qualify for 0% VAT, but processed foods typically attract the standard rate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

ARK INTERNATIONAL (GB) LTD is a well-established UK food importer with a diversified portfolio of staple and convenience food products. The CN8 HS code analysis reveals 38 documented import shipments across 5 product categories from 2016 to 2024, with rice (both parboiled and non-parboiled) as the dominant product at 42% of total shipments. The complementary products — toasted bread, spices, and cooked pasta — suggest the company serves the UK's ethnic food market, particularly South Asian, Middle Eastern, or African communities in the London area.

The company's strategic location in Dagenham, East London, provides convenient access to both import infrastructure (Port of Tilbury, Thames Gateway) and target markets (London's diverse ethnic communities). The consistent import activity over 8 years demonstrates business stability, while the diversified product portfolio reduces dependency on any single product category. For food exporters seeking to enter the UK market through a distributor with an established ethnic food network, ARK INTERNATIONAL represents a potential B2B partner. TurkExim continues to monitor and update this company's trade intelligence profile as new customs data becomes available.