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Designated days when the Union Flag must be flown on UK government buildings. UK government buildings are also encouraged to fly the Union Flag all year round.

• Updated: 14 March 2025

Complete application form MSF 4203 to apply for a UK Flag State Endorsement (FSE).

What you can do if your goods or vehicle are seized by Border Force or HM Revenue and Customs - get your things back or disagree with a customs seizure

• Overview

  Customs will destroy or sell anything it seizes from you for breaking the…

• Ask for your things back

  You can ask for your things back (make a ‘restoration request’) even if…

• Ask for a court hearing

  Send a ‘notice of claim’ if you think it was illegal for customs to seize…

Complete application form MSF 3900 to apply for a replacement Flag State Endorsement (Certificate of Equivalent Competency).

An export bar has been placed on a Union Flag that led the charge for the British at the Battle of Trafalgar

• Updated: 17 December 2025

Check a list of software developers who can provide Customs Declaration Service software.

• Updated: 8 December 2025

How to display number or licence plates, get plates made up, replace lost, damaged or stolen plates, and the national letters, flags and symbols you can display.

Online proforma registration and guidance for owners, operators and bareboat charterers registering merchant vessels under the UK flag.

• Updated: 29 March 2019

Form for assessing safety criteria before a fishing vessel is considered for registration.

Downloadable letters explaining UK laws and conventions on people's names and name changing.

• Updated: 16 October 2025