The Brexit Effect: How Import Duties Are Affecting UK Paddle and Gear Prices
As pickleball continues its rapid rise across the United Kingdom, many new players are finding that getting equipped for the game is more costly than expected. Paddles, balls, nets, and shoes—all once casually ordered online from US or European suppliers—now come with noticeably higher price tags. For many British pickleball players and clubs, Brexit has reshaped the landscape of how gear is sourced, priced, and distributed.
The changes are not just minor inconveniences. Import duties, VAT complications, and shipping delays have introduced a layer of complexity that disproportionately affects a sport still in its early growth phase. While large, established sports like football or tennis have robust domestic supply chains, pickleball remains heavily dependent on imported gear. And since the UK’s formal exit from the EU single market in January 2021, the cost of playing has quietly increased.
A New Tariff Reality
Before Brexit, most UK pickleball enthusiasts could order paddles and balls from EU-based distributors with little hassle. Goods moved tariff-free and quickly, with no additional customs paperwork or border checks. Now, those same orders—whether from Germany, Spain, or the Netherlands—are treated as imports from a foreign country.
This means most pickleball gear coming from the EU is subject to:
20% import VAT (on the total value including shipping),
Customs declaration fees (typically around £10–£15),
And in some cases, additional duties, depending on the country of origin and trade classification.
For example, a £90 paddle ordered from a French supplier may now arrive with an extra £18–£25 in added costs. If the product originates from the United States but is stocked in Europe, it may also attract UK third-country duties, pushing the effective price even higher.
This is compounded when UK buyers shop directly from American brands. While many leading pickleball manufacturers—like Selkirk, Franklin, and JOOLA—are based in the US, UK players now face both transatlantic shipping costs and full customs clearance. Duties on composite paddles can range from 2% to 6%, plus VAT and processing.
Limited UK Retail Options
Complicating matters further is the fact that pickleball still lacks a broad domestic retail presence in the UK. While a small number of dedicated online shops—such as The Pickleball Store UK or Pickleball Depot—have emerged to stock a limited range of products, most do not carry the full catalogues seen in North America. Custom paddles, higher-end models, or niche training aids are often unavailable unless imported directly.
This scarcity has a knock-on effect for clubs as well. Organisers trying to bulk-purchase paddles for beginner sessions or school rollouts now face inflated costs. A club in the Midlands reported paying £475 for ten entry-level paddles in 2024, up from £360 for the same order in 2021. Much of the difference was attributed to shipping surcharges and customs fees.
Even basic supplies like indoor balls or replacement grips are affected. One organiser in Kent noted delays of up to three weeks for paddle deliveries from Germany, where such items had previously arrived within days.
Budget Constraints for New Players
For a sport celebrated for its affordability and inclusiveness, the rise in gear costs poses a genuine barrier. While experienced players may be willing to spend £120–£160 on a high-performance paddle, new players are often looking for kits under £100.
Pickleball England has raised concerns about how price increases may affect uptake, particularly in deprived or rural areas where grant funding is scarce and player retention is more fragile. One regional coordinator in the North East explained, “We can get people hooked in a taster session, but if they go home and see the paddle costs plus £30 in import charges, they hesitate.”
This is especially significant given that many UK clubs run on tight budgets and rely heavily on volunteers. When every paddle purchase comes with extra charges, introducing the sport to schools or community centres becomes harder to scale.
Workarounds and Domestic Opportunities
Some UK clubs and coaches are beginning to respond creatively. Bulk ordering through club accounts—spreading VAT and customs charges across many paddles—can soften the impact. Others are partnering directly with UK retailers to secure discounted gear bundles or looking to resell used paddles to new players.
There is also a growing call for UK-based retailers to invest more seriously in pickleball distribution. As demand rises, the opportunity is clear: British manufacturers and sports suppliers could step in to produce or distribute gear locally, reducing reliance on imports.
At present, however, domestic production of high-quality paddles remains limited. Composite materials, honeycomb cores, and carbon fibre faces require specialist manufacturing processes more commonly found in the US and East Asia. Until local capacity develops, the UK is likely to remain dependent on foreign supply.
The Complexity of Trade Classifications
One of the less visible hurdles involves the customs classification of pickleball gear. Since the sport is relatively new to international trade codes, there is no dedicated tariff category for “pickleball paddles.” As a result, customs agents may categorise them under general “sports rackets” or “composite sporting goods,” which can vary in duty rates.
Some shipments have been delayed or overcharged because the paddles were incorrectly classified as tennis rackets or squash bats. A club in Essex reported being charged 12% duty on a set of paddles until they appealed and provided documentation proving the actual materials and purpose of the goods.
As the sport gains traction, there may be a case for lobbying HMRC to create a clearer classification to avoid these inconsistencies.
What Players Can Do
For individual players and clubs, navigating the post-Brexit pickleball landscape means becoming savvy consumers. Before ordering gear:
Check the country of origin, not just the shipping location. Even EU-based suppliers may carry US-made goods that attract duties.
Use UK-based stockists where possible, even if the product range is narrower.
Ask sellers about “Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)” options, where all charges are covered upfront.
Consider group orders through your club to reduce individual costs.
In some cases, buying second-hand gear from UK players upgrading their paddles can be an affordable, duty-free alternative.
Looking Ahead
Brexit has undeniably raised the cost of equipping pickleball players in the UK. While this may not deter committed enthusiasts, it adds friction to the sport’s grassroots growth. For a movement built on accessibility and fun, inflated prices threaten to slow momentum at a time when pickleball is just beginning to find its footing across the country.
Yet there is also opportunity. As demand grows, UK-based suppliers and sports businesses may begin to fill the gap. If local production or smarter distribution models can emerge, they could not only ease costs but also create new business and coaching ecosystems around the sport.
In the meantime, clubs, coaches, and players must continue navigating the Brexit landscape with resourcefulness and a shared commitment to growing the game—one paddle at a time.
Chris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at all levels of pickleball. Chris is also an avid player, currently struggling to make the breakthrough from 4.0 to 4.5.