If you have searched for Lapsang Souchong recently, you may have come across the rumour that it is banned in the UK. It is not. You can buy it legally, drink it legally, and brew it as strongly as you like. So where did the confusion come from?
What actually happened
In the early 2020s, the EU tightened limits on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) — a group of compounds that occur naturally when organic material is smoked. The new limits affected many smoked foods, from sausages to fish to, yes, smoked tea. Some larger Lapsang Souchong producers found their existing supply chains could not consistently meet the new EU thresholds, and a few products were temporarily pulled from EU shelves.
Reporting on this got compressed into the more dramatic headline 'Lapsang Souchong banned' — which then made the leap to 'banned in the UK'. Neither claim is correct.
The current position in the UK
Post-Brexit, UK food safety rules on smoked products are similar in spirit but separately enforced. Lapsang Souchong remains widely available from UK retailers, including supermarkets, specialist tea shops, and direct importers. Reputable producers test for PAH levels and source carefully to stay well within limits.
What to look for when buying
- Loose-leaf, naturally smoked over real pinewood (not flavoured tea bags)
- Origin stated clearly — ideally Xingcun village in the Wuyi Mountains, Fujian
- A producer or importer who hand-packs in small batches and can speak to sourcing
- Resealable, foil-lined packaging to protect aroma
Real Lapsang Souchong, made the traditional way and sourced from a producer who knows their leaf, is one of the great teas of the world — and it is perfectly legal to enjoy.
