🇬🇧How to import into United Kingdom
To import into United Kingdom, most goods clear customs freely, but specific sectors need a permit, product registration or import licence from a named regulator before the shipment lands. A legitimate importer of those goods holds the current document, ask for it and check it at the source.
Importing into United Kingdom: the basics
- Customs identity: GB EORI number
- Since Brexit a separate GB EORI is required; an EU EORI does not work for GB customs. A second XI EORI applies for movements involving Northern Ireland. GOV.UK
- Import tax at the border
- Standard VAT in United Kingdom is 20%, charged on goods plus freight plus duty. GOV.UK Duty depends on the product's HS code, so we do not state a rate: look it up in UK Integrated Online Tariff , then put both into the landed-cost calculator.
- Documents that travel with the shipment
- Commercial invoice · Packing list · Transport document (CMR, bill of lading or air waybill) · Customs declaration, filed by you or your broker · Proof of origin, when claiming a preferential duty rate
- Incoterms a small supplier will actually agree to: EXW or FCA
- Small and artisan producers normally sell EXW (you collect at their workshop) or FCA (they hand the goods to your carrier). Expect to arrange freight, insurance and customs clearance yourself, or through a forwarder. DAP and DDP shift carriage and import formalities onto the seller, and a small maker will usually decline them: under DDP the seller must even be able to pay import taxes in your country. Larger exporters more often quote FOB or CIF for sea freight. Compare all Incoterms.
- Worth knowing before the first shipment
- Postponed VAT accounting is available to all VAT-registered importers, so import VAT normally goes on the return rather than being paid at the border.
- EU preferential (zero) duty under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement requires a statement on origin; without it the standard tariff applies even to EU goods.
Reviewed 2026-07-21. Factual pointers to public rules, not legal advice; confirm with customs or a broker before shipping.
Sector import rules
These sectors carry their own import requirement in United Kingdom. For each, a legitimate importer holds the document named below, issued by the named regulator. Ask for it, then verify it at the source.
- chemicalsRegistration required
product registration from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Importer must submit a substance registration under UK REACH via the Comply with UK REACH service.
Official source - meatImport permit required
sanitary/veterinary import permit from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Importer must submit a prior notification through the IPAFFS system and obtain an export health certificate.
Official source - pharmaceuticalsRegistration required
product registration from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Importer must obtain a Wholesale Dealer Authorisation (WDA) and verify product marketing authorization via the MHRA portal.
Official source - telecom/radio equipmentImport permit required
conformity certificate from the Office of Communications (Ofcom).
Importer must ensure equipment carries the UKCA mark and complies with the Radio Equipment Regulations verified via Ofcom approved frameworks.
Official source
This is a factual pointer to public rules, not legal advice, and the list is not exhaustive.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a licence to import into United Kingdom?
- It depends on the product. General goods clear United Kingdom customs without a sector licence, but regulated sectors (chemicals, meat, pharmaceuticals, telecom/radio equipment) require a specific permit, registration or licence from the regulator named on this page.
- How do I check an importer in United Kingdom is allowed to bring in my product?
- Ask the buyer for the import permit or product-registration number for the sector, then confirm it with the named regulator. A genuine importer of regulated goods already holds one; a buyer who cannot produce it may not clear customs.
- Is importing a specific product into United Kingdom ever banned?
- Most sectors are permitted with the right licence or registration. Always confirm the current rule with the named regulator before shipping.
- What do I need to clear customs in United Kingdom?
- A business importing into United Kingdom needs a GB EORI number. Since Brexit a separate GB EORI is required; an EU EORI does not work for GB customs. A second XI EORI applies for movements involving Northern Ireland. A normal commercial shipment also travels with: commercial invoice, packing list, transport document (cmr, bill of lading or air waybill), customs declaration, filed by you or your broker, proof of origin, when claiming a preferential duty rate.
- How much tax do I pay importing into United Kingdom?
- Standard VAT in United Kingdom is 20%, charged on the goods plus freight plus duty. Customs duty depends on the product's HS code, so there is no single rate: look yours up in UK Integrated Online Tariff, then add both to the goods and freight to get the landed cost.
- Which Incoterms will a small supplier agree to?
- Usually EXW or FCA. Small and artisan producers normally sell EXW (you collect at their workshop) or FCA (they hand the goods to your carrier). Expect to arrange freight, insurance and customs clearance yourself, or through a forwarder. DAP and DDP shift carriage and import formalities onto the seller, and a small maker will usually decline them: under DDP the seller must even be able to pay import taxes in your country. Larger exporters more often quote FOB or CIF for sea freight.
United Kingdom suppliers by sector
Manufacturers and wholesalers based in United Kingdom, with the open-record facts we hold on each and a link to the free public source behind them.
Importing for the first time? Read the first-time importer sequence (country choice, maker checks, landed cost, a survivable first order).