Q: Do I need an import licence if I am shipping in goods from abroad?
Dec 21 2009
Answered by: Ashley de Safrin Ask a question
Do I need an import licence if I am shipping in goods from abroad?
Most goods do not require an import licence, but there are exceptions. Below is some information on import licences taken from the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) website.
The majority of goods can be imported into the United Kingdom without the need to apply for an import licence.
Currently the Import Licensing Branch (ILB) issues import licences for a small number of goods mainly to implement:
BIS' trade policy measures (these measures may be in the form of quantitive quotas where the volume will be restricted, or freely issued prior surveillance licences so that volumes imported may be monitored)
• certain textiles from Belarus, North Korea and Uzbekistan
• iron & steel
For safety reasons (these imports are generally issued only to those with domestic authority to possess)
• firearms and ammunition
As a result of international obligations (these usually take the form of an embargo and no imports will be allowed)
• anti-personnel mines
• torture equipment
ILB publicises its restrictions by issuing Notices to Importers. Notices covering the current and most popular restrictions are available by clicking on Notices to Importers on the left hand side of this page. Notices no longer current are available directly from ILB.
The forms needed to apply for an import licence can also be accessed by clicking on Import Licensing Forms. As an original signature is needed or in some cases original supporting documents it is not possible to electronically return applications to ILB.
A full list of import restrictions and prohibitions is listed on the HM Revenue site.
For example the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) issues import licences for agricultural, horticultural products and certain items of food and drink. Traders importing these products will need to contact them for advice not ILB.
All imported food must obey certain rules to ensure that it is safe to eat. Further information on this can be found on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website.
There may be other import restrictions and it is the responsibility of importers to ensure that they are aware of them. If you have a specific query about the work of the Department's Import Licensing branch and cannot find the answer, the ILB Enquiry point may be able to help you.
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