Definitions
This section outlines the various definitions of processes involved in moving goods for international events.
Personal goods are also known as personal allowances which are brought into the UK by a traveller under their personal allowances. Personal allowance rules apply to these goods regardless of whether they have been bought duty-free or in the country that the traveller has visited. Read more on bringing goods into the UK for personal use.
Commercial goods are also known as ‘merchandise in baggage’. These are goods for sale or use within a business, carried by a traveller in their accompanied baggage or small vehicle (which can carry no more than 9 people and must weigh 3.5 tonnes or less).
Temporary Admission (TA) is a customs special procedure allowing temporary use of goods in Great Britain with relief from import duty and VAT, subject to re-export and conditions.
Read more information on special procedure: temporary admission.
ATA Carnet is an international customs document for temporary admission of eligible goods, excluding consumables.
Read more on the ATA Carnet in the customs technical handbook.
This process involves declaring goods by passing through a customs control point without actively submitting paperwork or speaking to a customs officer. It applies to personal or eligible commercial goods under specific conditions.
This process involves declaring goods by speaking to a customs officer. It may be done in person at the red channel or red lane or by using a red point phone, which connects directly to the Border Force. It applies to eligible goods under specific conditions and is not available at certain locations.