Read this before you transport goods into the UK – here are all of the customs declaration requirements you need to know.

What are the customs declaration requirements when bringing goods into the UK? 

The customs clearance process can undoubtedly be a source of confusion for many individuals and organisations that wish to move goods from one jurisdiction to another. This is no less the case when the goods in question are to be relocated to the UK from outside the country. 

Bringing goods into the UK for personal use 

One key area of distinction is whether the goods being brought into the UK are meant for personal use. In this situation, some items can be moved into the UK from another country without a need to pay UK tax or duty if they are meant for the given individual’s own personal use, or if they wish to give the goods as a gift. 

Even in these circumstances, however, a “personal allowance” applies; this refers to the amount of goods that one can bring into the UK for personal use. The “personal allowance” rules are applicable to any goods that someone has purchased overseas and that they subsequently seek to bring into the UK. 

If you are bringing certain goods into the UK for personal use, there are two circumstances in which you will need to tell customs about the goods prior to crossing the UK border: where you exceed your allowances, or where the goods are banned or restricted (examples of the latter including the likes of controlled drugs, offensive weapons, and rough diamonds). 

In the event of you going over an allowance, it will be necessary for you to pay tax and duty on all the goods in that category. 

Goods that you bring into the UK for personal use can be declared online from five days (120 hours) prior to your arrival in the UK. 

How do the requirements differ if you will be bringing commercial goods into the UK? 

The situation will be very different if you will be bringing goods into the UK with a view to selling them or using them in your business. You won’t benefit from any personal allowances, and all such commercial goods will need to be declared. 

The basic process for bringing commercial goods into Great Britain in your baggage, and complying with the law, are as follows: you (or someone handling customs for you) will need to obtain an EORI number, and then declare the goods to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). It will then be necessary for you to pay any Customs Duty or import VAT due. 

When bringing commercial goods into Great Britain, you will be required to make one of the following: a full import declaration, a simple online declaration, or an oral declaration at the “goods to declare” channel or the red point phone in the customs area at the port. If it is a simple online declaration that you will be making, you will have five days to declare the goods prior to your arrival in Great Britain. 

There is, of course, much more that can be said and advised in relation to the customs declaration and clearance process. This is just one more of the many reasons why you might choose to engage our cross-border freight services at KTL, so that you can be sure of complying with all the relevant requirements for your shipment. 

Please feel free to contact us today to learn more about our services. 

‍