Check what guidance you need to follow

The UK has made continuity agreements with many countries and continues to negotiate further FTAs, however, businesses should still check changes to processes, tariffs and quotas as part of our new arrangements. Some preferential trade terms will have changed and it’s important you check these to mitigate supply chain risks.  

It’s also important to check WTO tariffs to understand impacts from trade with countries not covered by continuity agreements or Free Trade Agreements.  

The government have published guidance on how to bring goods into the UK from outside the EU, including how much tax and duty businesses need to pay and whether they need to get a licence or certificate, as outlined below: 

Step 1: Check what guidance you need to follow 

You need to follow these steps if you're bringing goods into the UK - for example for selling, processing or using in your business. 

What you need to do is different if you are: 

• Bringing goods in from the EU
• Getting goods through the post
• Bringing goods in your luggage for personal use
• Bringing goods in your luggage, car or van to use in your business or sell
• Bringing in goods temporarily
• Moving to the UK with your belongings

Step 2: Register your business for importing 

• Get an EORI number
• Check if you need to register for VAT 

You can apply for simplified declaration procedures and for Authorised Economic Operator status. These are most suitable for businesses that import goods regularly. 

• Find out about using simplified declaration procedures
• Check if Authorised Economic Operator status is right for you

Step 3: Decide who will make customs declarations and transport the goods 

You can hire someone to deal with customs and transport the goods for you, or you can do it yourself. Most businesses that import goods use a transporter or customs agent. 

• Find out how to hire someone to deal with customs for you
• Find out what you'll need to do if you make the customs declaration yourself

Step 4: Classify your goods 

You must find the right commodity code to classify the goods you're importing. This will tell you the rate of duty you need to pay and if you need an import licence. 

Your customs agent or transporter might be able to help you with this. 

• Find the right commodity code for your goods

And Find out if you can delay or reduce your duty payment 

You may be able to delay or reduce the amount of duty you pay based on where the goods are from and what you plan to do with them. 

• Find out if you can pay a lower rate of duty
• Find out if you can delay paying duty

Step 5: Value your goods 

How much VAT and duty you pay depends on the value of your goods and the rate of duty you need to pay. 

• Work out the value of your goods for customs

Step 6: Get a licence or certificate if you need one 

You might need to get a licence or certificate if you're importing things like plant or animal products, high-risk food or feed, medicines, textiles, chemicals or firearms. Your customs agent or transporter might be able to help you with this. 

• Find out if you need a licence or certificate for the goods

Step 7: Get your goods through customs 

If you've appointed someone to deal with UK customs for you, they'll make the declaration and get your goods through the UK border. 

• Make an import declaration yourself and get your goods cleared by UK customs

You'll then be told how much VAT and duty to pay. You’ll also be sent an Import VAT Certificate (C79) in the post as proof you have paid. 

Step 8: Claim a VAT refund 

If you're VAT registered, you can claim back any VAT you paid on the goods you've imported. You’ll need your C79. 

• Find out how to claim a VAT refund

Step 9: If you paid the wrong amount of duty or rejected the goods 

• Find out how to apply for a refund on import duties
• Find out what you can claim back if you reject an import

Step 10: Keep invoices and records 

You must keep records of commercial invoices and any customs paperwork, including your C79. 

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