Get UK customs clearance when importing goods into the UK: step by step

How to make an import declaration and get goods through the UK border.

1. Step 1: Check if you need to follow this process

   Follow these steps to get your goods for import through UK customs if you’re managing the process yourself.

   Getting customs clearance is complicated. You can hire a transporter or customs agent to make the import declaration and get your goods through UK customs.

   1. Hire someone to deal with customs for you

   Your business must be ready to import the goods before you can get customs clearance.

   1. Find out about importing goods into the UK

   1. Check if you need to make an import declaration

2. Step 2: Set up your business for making import declarations

   You need an EORI number that starts with GB to import goods into England, Wales or Scotland. You'll need a new one if you have an EORI that does not start with GB.

   If you move goods to or from Northern Ireland you may need one that starts with XI.

   1. Get an EORI number

   Depending on where you're moving goods, you need to be registered on the right systems and have compatible software to make declarations.

   1. Check what systems and software you need to make declarations

3. Step 3: Check if you can make the customs process quicker

   There are processes that can make clearing customs quicker and easier to manage if you have to make import declarations regularly.

   1. Find out about using simplified declaration procedures
   2. Check if Authorised Economic Operator status is right for you

   If you're importing goods from the EU to England, Scotland or Wales (Great Britain) you might be able to delay making a declaration for up to 6 months.

   1. Check if you can declare your goods later if you're importing goods from the EU

   If you regularly import goods using Common Transit, you can apply to start movements of goods at your own premises.

   1. Check if consignee status is right for your business

4. Step 4: Register to import goods with restrictions

   You need to register as an importer if you import things like plant or animal products, high-risk food or feed, medicines, textiles, chemicals or firearms.

   Register to import:

   • fresh produce, plants or plant products
   • ‘prohibited’ plants or plant products
   • live fish or shellfish
   • wood or wood products
   • human medicines
   • veterinary medicines
   • chemicals
   • controlled goods

5. Step 5: Check if you need a licence or certificate for your goods

   There are special rules and you may need to get licences or certificates if you are importing any of the following:

   • animals and animal products
   • plants and plant products
   • high risk food
   • veterinary medicines
   • human medicine
   • controlled drugs
   • tissues and cells for human application
   • waste
   • products containing F gas
   • precursor chemicals
   • hazardous chemicals
   • nuclear material
   • guns, knives, swords and other weapons
   • weapons and goods that could be used for torture or capital punishment

6. and Check the labelling, marking and marketing rules

   1. Check the marking, labelling and marketing standards for food, plant seeds and manufactured goods

7. Step 6: Arrange for the goods to be inspected

   If you import things like plant or animal products, you need to choose a place where the goods can be inspected. This needs to happen before they’re allowed through the UK border.

   1. Find an inspection point for animals and animal products
   2. Find an inspection point for plants, plant products, seeds and wood
   3. Find an inspection point for high risk food and feed that is not of animal origin
   4. Find an inspection point for endangered species, or products made from endangered plants or animals

   You need to let the inspection point know when the goods are arriving. You might have to pay a fee for the inspection.

8. Step 7: Submit and manage the import declaration

   1. Find out how to submit import declarations
   2. Find out how to change or cancel an import declaration

   If you're importing goods from the EU to England, Scotland or Wales (Great Britain) you might be able to delay making a declaration for up to 6 months.

   1. Check if you can declare your goods later to make the importing process quicker

9. Step 8: Pay VAT and duty

   HMRC will tell you how much to pay after you submit the declaration.

   1. Find out how and when to pay VAT and duty

10. Step 9: Get the goods released if they're held up at the border

    The goods may be held at the border if, for example:

    • you have not paid the right amount of duty or VAT
    • you do not have the right import licences for the goods or business
    • they did not pass inspection
    • they've been combined with a shipment that has been held up

    If this happens you will be told why.

    1. Contact the National Clearance Hub to get help