Country Customs Information

View Customs Rules


View UK Customs HS Code



Imports

General Import Guidelines
  • The importer must have an import license
  • Imported goods must conform to licensed activities of the importer
  • Imported goods must be accompanied with an International Waybill, and a Commercial Invoice
  • HS Codes must be stated clearly on the Commercial Invoice. Where the HS Codes are not stated, UK Customs shall determine the proper HS Codes based on the goods and the stated description


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Import Duties and Fees
  • The customs valuation is based on CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) which means that the amount used to assess customs duty is the sum of cost of goods, insurance and shipping cost to UK
  • Customs tariff applicable on imported goods depend on HS Codes
  • The standard rate of VAT imposed on imported goods into UK is 20%
  • International express or courier imports with declared value below GBP 15 are treated duty free
  • Goods with declared value of more than a GBP 15 will be treated as normal cargo goods, and will require a formal customs clearance


Goods originating from EU Member States

UK is a Member State of the EU, accordingly goods originating from EU Member States will benefit from customs duties and VAT exemption

To benefit from EU customs exemption a EUR1 Certificate is required, or a shipper Customs Authorization Number needs to be stated on Commercial Invoice


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Duties Exemption

A number of goods are exempted from customs duties and VAT. Below are some of the applied exemptions:
  • Goods addressed to government or semi-government agencies
  • Diplomatic goods
  • Personal Effects ( used more than six months)
  • Books and printed matter
  • Samples

For Personal Effects originated from a non-EU Member States a Personal Effects form is required in order to seek an exemption. Please refer to section of "Useful Customs Forms"


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Imports Required Documents

General Imports

Import Declaration is processed in the event of goods being imported into UK from other countries. The below documents are needed:
  • Original Waybills
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Customs Procedure Code (CPC)
  • EORI number


Re-Export

Import Declaration is processed in the event of importing goods into UK for purpose of re-exporting. The below documents are needed:

  • Original Waybills
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Customs Procedure Code (CPC)
  • EORI number


Temporary Import - Exhibition / Repair and Return

Upon entry of goods into UK on temporary basis for the purpose of taking part in an exhibition or repairs / maintenance, a deposit amount equivalent to customs duties and VAT has to be made for the benefit of UK Customs Authorities. The deposit is refunded upon exporting the goods. If the goods are not being exported the deposit is forfeited. The below documents are needed:

  • Original Waybills
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Customs Procedure Code (CPC)
  • EORI Number

When completing your Commercial Invoice, we recommend that you abide by Aramex guidelines to ensure timely and efficient clearance Read More


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Exports

When exporting goods from UK some documents and regulations will be applied before the exit of goods to the destination. Failure to submit required documents may delay goods when exporting
  1. Original Commercial Invoice
  2. Customs Declaration (DAU) if good's value is above GBP 800. The Customs Declaration needs to contain both exporter’s VAT number and exporter’s EORI number
  • A letter stating “Goods are not subjected to an export license” only if goods doesn’t need export license
  • For certain goods, a strategic export license is required. Example where these licenses are needed include: military, dual-use, chemicals, technological, electronic goods, radioactive material, and agricultural goods. For more information go to Department for Business Innovation & Skill (BIS), or click here to check if your goods require an export license. To apply for a strategic export license click here Other documents that could be required would depend on the specific requirements of the destinations. Aramex maintain a list of needed documents and customs information per country (please select country name on this page)


    Important Notes
    • All exported goods may be inspected by Customs Authorities
    • Aramex will not transport goods that are prohibited by the laws or regulations of UK. The UK prohibits exporting certain goods as published on its sanctions and embargoes page
    • For more information on exporting from the UK
      • click here


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    Transiting Goods

    Transiting Goods through UK can only remain 8 days from the date of arrival into the country

    To process Transiting Goods, the below documents are needed:

    • Original Waybills Waybills
    • Original Commercial Invoice
    • Customs Procedure Code (CPC)


    Prohibited / Restricted Goods


    Aramex will not transport goods that are prohibited by the laws or regulations of UK

    In accordance to Aramex Shipping Policy, the following items are not acceptable for transport by Aramex:

    • Monetary items including currency, fake money, and coins
    • Publications that are offensive to religions, morals, human rights or aims to cause corruption and disorder
    • Narcotics and drugs including heroin, opium, drugs raw material (powder, liquid), cannabis leaves, etc.
    • Counterfeit goods covering all brands of clothes, machinery, shoes, electronics, watches etc.
    • Fireworks*
    • Ivory and ivory products*
    • Furs*
    • Jewelry, precious metals , stones, articles or antiques of exceptional high value*
    • Bullion*
    • Chemical waste and nuclear waste
    • Hazardous as defined in IATA Regulations*
    • Ammunitions*
    • Human remains, including ashes*
    • Animals, plants, food items and perishable*

    * Certain goods which are listed above as prohibited may be accepted by Aramex on a contractual basis, if exporters / importers are able to comply with all applicable regulations

    Some goods require approval from the designated authority prior to importing into UK. Some examples are shown below:



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    References

    1. UK Customs
    2. UK Customs HS Codes and Tariffs
    3. Customs Terminologies

    Useful Customs Forms
    1. Personal Effects Form
    2. Economic operator registration and Identification (EORI) Form (non-registered)
    3. Economic operator registration and Identification (EORI) Form (registered)