The final hurdle before entering UK is making it through the HM Customs & Excise. Although it is not as complicated as most people assume it to be, there are certain things that one ought to take care of. All EU (European Union) countries utilise 3 particular ‘channels’ for the purpose of customs processing - Red, Green and Blue. And being a part of the EU, UK follows the same honour system.
Let’s have a look at some important things pertaining to UK customs regulations:
Things You Can Bring In Duty Free
As per the current Duty Free Allowances, the following things can be brought into UK without paying any tax -
- tobacco products such as 250g loose tobacco or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 200 cigarettes
- 4 litres of wine
- 1 litre of strong liquors having about 22% alcohol or spirits, or 2 litres of sparkling wine, fortified wine or any other liquor.
- 16 litres of beer
- £390 worth of other goods such as souvenirs or gifts, or £270 if you arrive by boat or plane
Items That Are Allowed To Be Brought In After Inspection
There are certain things which can draw the attention of the UK Customs & Excise staff, if you are carrying them. The officers would only allow you to pass if they are assured that the items with you are for personal use. These items include -
- Cigarettes - 3200 units
- Cigars - 200
- Cigarillos - 400
- Smoking Tobacco - 3kg
- Spirits - 10 litres
- Fortified wine - 20 litres
- Wine - 90 litres
- Beer - 110 litres
Banned & Restricted Items
There are some goods which are banned or restricted under the regulations of UK Customs & Excise.
1. Banned goods -
- Unlicensed drugs
- Child pornography
- Pirated and counterfeit goods
- Offensive weapons
- Pornographic material
- Milk, meat or other animal products
2. Restricted goods that require licenses -
- firearms
- ammunition and explosives
- endangered species
- live animals
- radio transmitters
- certains plants as well as their produce
For imports and exports, the HM Customs & Excise has got standard duty fees and allowances. In order to make sure that they make it through safely, it is better to hire the customs clearance services of any reputed shipping company. Customs clearance agents generally take care of everything including preparation of documentations, representing clients at the time of customs examination, duty payment and receiving of delivery after clearance with documents from the customs. In other words, they act on behalf of their clients.
