CAPI07050 - CAP import licences: general

The system of CAP licensing provides much of the information required for the management of the EU’s agricultural market. Many commodities cannot be imported without a licence and they are also used to grant reduced rates of duty.

Licences are issued against financial securities. These securities are discharged on the production of proof, to the RPA, that the licences have been used to import the quantity shown on the licence. Proof is usually in the form of a fully attributed licence confirming that the amount stated has been imported within the period of validity. Securities can be released progressively if the importer sends the partly exhausted licence to the issuing authority.

Often licence securities are so small that there is no real incentive for them to be used.

Licences are not required for goods being entered into warehousing and if presented they should be returned to the importer or his representative without certification or other action. They must be re-presented when the goods are removed from warehouse to free circulation.

Any queries regarding the release of UK licence securities should be referred to the RPA.