Ports and wharves approvals — for port and wharf operators
Published 29 May 2025
© Crown copyright 2025
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/discover-customs-authorisations-that-help-you-import-and-export-goods/ports-and-wharves-approvals-for-port-and-wharf-operators
Seaport and wharf approvals
Description of seaport and wharf approvals authorisation
Seaports and wharves need to be approved in order to deal with goods and passengers coming into or leaving the UK.
Benefits and features of seaport and wharf approvals authorisation
Any border location that deals with goods or passengers coming into or leaving the UK, must be an approved area and have a customs approval given by Border Force.
Ports and wharves where goods are imported must choose a customs operating model as part of the approval process.
Most seaports and wharves choose the temporary storage model. This model allows goods to be stored temporarily for up to 90 days under customs control before they are then one of the following:
- released to free circulation
- re-exported outside the UK
- placed under a customs special procedure
Airport approvals
Description of airport approvals authorisation
Airport approvals allow an airport to deal with goods and passengers coming into or leaving the UK.
Benefits and features of airport approvals authorisation
Any border location that deals with goods or passengers coming into or leaving the UK, must be an approved area and have a customs approval given by Border Force.
There are 2 classes of airport approvals which are based on the customs designated status of the airport.
Most of the larger recognised airports have associated temporary storage facilities. These allow goods to be stored temporarily for up to 90 days under customs control before they are then one of the following:
- released to free circulation
- re-exported outside the UK
- placed under a customs special procedure
Rail terminal approvals
Description of rail terminal approvals authorisation
Rail approvals allow a rail terminal to deal with goods coming into or leaving the UK.
Benefits and features of rail terminal approvals authorisation
Any border location that deals with goods or passengers coming into or leaving the UK, must be an approved area and have a customs approval given by Border Force.
Some rail terminals are also approved for temporary storage. This allows goods to be stored temporarily for up to 90 days under customs control before they are then one of the following:
- released to free circulation
- re-exported outside the UK
- placed under a customs special procedure