Step 1 :

Follow these steps if you're moving goods permanently to:

• England, Wales or Scotland (Great Britain) from a country outside the UK

• Northern Ireland from a country outside the UK and the EU

 

Step 2 :

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. Get an EORI number

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

Find out about using simplified declaration procedures

Check if Authorised Economic Operator status is right for you

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Step 3 :

The business sending you the goods may need:

• to make an export declaration in their country

• licences or certificates to send goods to the UK

 

Check whoever is sending the goods is able to export them from their country.

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Step 4 :

Contact the team at The Customs Centre to help provide freight, transport and customs solutions. 

 

Step 5 :

You’ll need to include the commodity code on your import declaration. This will determine the rate of duty you need to pay and if you need an import licence. Find the right commodity code for your goods

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Step 6 :

When you make your import declaration, you’ll need to include the value of your goods - this helps work out how much duty and VAT you’ll need to pay. Work out the value of your goods for customs

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Step 7:

You may be able to pay less or no Customs Duty if the UK has a trade agreement with the country you're importing from.

Find out if you can pay a lower rate of Customs Duty because of a trade agreement

Check other ways you can pay a lower rate of Customs Duty​

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Step 8 :

You may be able to delay sending information about goods or paying Customs Duty. Check if you can delay your Customs Duty​

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Step 9 :

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

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Step 10 :

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

 

Step 11 :

If you're VAT registered, you can claim back any VAT you paid on the goods you've imported. You’ll need your Import VAT Certificate (C79). Find out how to claim a VAT refund

 

Step 12 :

You must keep records of commercial invoices and any customs paperwork, including your Import VAT Certificate (C79).

If you imported controlled goods, for example firearms, keep any paperwork that shows who owns them.