What Can and Can’t I Import Into the UK?

TL;DR Summary

The UK allows the import of most commercial goods — including electronics, textiles, furniture, machinery, food products, and raw materials — provided you follow HMRC customs procedures, pay the correct duties and VAT, and hold any required licences. However, certain items are completely banned, while others require special permits or licences.

This guide covers everything UK importers need to know in 2026:

• A full list of product categories you can legally import into the UK, from textiles and machinery to furniture and chemicals.
• Banned goods that cannot be imported under any circumstances — including illegal drugs, offensive weapons, pepper spray, and rough diamonds.
• Restricted imports that require special licences, safety certifications, or health documentation before clearing customs.
• Answers to frequently asked questions about importing CBD, tobacco, alcohol, electronics, and furniture.
• 2026 regulatory updates — including the removal of low-value import relief, new commodity codes, steel tariff changes, and digital compliance requirements.
• A step-by-step import process covering EORI registration, commodity codes, CDS declarations, duty calculations, and shipping.
• A quick reference table for UK import duty, VAT, excise duty, and customs broker fees.

Whether you’re a first-time importer or an established business scaling your supply chain, this guide covers the rules, restrictions, and practical steps you need to import into the UK with confidence.

Key Takeaway: If you are importing goods commercially into the UK, you must have an EORI number, classify your goods with the correct commodity code, register with the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), and pay all applicable duties and VAT. Working with a licensed customs broker or sourcing agent can significantly reduce the risk of delays, penalties, and seized goods.

The rules governing what you can and can’t import into the UK vary depending on whether you’re importing commercially or for personal use. In both cases, there are items that are banned or require special licenses and permits in order to be imported from China. This article covers those items in detail, along with step-by-step guidance for new importers.

As of 2026, UK customs regulations continue to evolve post-Brexit, with new digital compliance requirements, changes to low-value import relief, and updated commodity codes taking effect throughout the year. You should also consider whether going it alone or using an agent for importing is the right approach for your business.

What You Can Import Into the UK

UK Customs classifies products into the following broad categories. As long as you comply with all relevant regulations, pay required import duties and taxes from China, and hold any necessary licences, these categories of goods can be legally imported into the UK.

For items marked with an asterisk (*), there are some exceptions or restrictions to consider — these are detailed under ‘What you can’t import’ and ‘Imports that are subject to conditions’ below.

What You Cannot Import Into the UK: Banned Goods

Despite the lengthy list of things that can be imported into the UK, there are a number of items that are completely banned and cannot be brought in under any circumstances. Attempting to import these goods may result in criminal prosecution, seizure by UK Border Force, and significant fines. These include:

• Illegal drugs — All Class A, B, and C controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
• Offensive weapons — Flick knives, gravity knives, butterfly knives, disguised knives, and other prohibited blades.
• Self-defence sprays — Pepper spray, CS gas, and PAVA spray are classified as firearms under UK law.
• Rough diamonds — Unless certified under the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
• Indecent and obscene materials — Material that meets the threshold under the Obscene Publications Act 1959.
• Goods that infringe intellectual property rights — Pirated films, music, software, and counterfeit goods. If you’re manufacturing products in China, it’s important to protect your intellectual property when manufacturing in China.
• Personal imports of meat and dairy products — From most non-EU countries.
• Food and plant products containing pests or diseases — Products that pose a biosecurity risk to UK agriculture.

Since Brexit, the UK’s import rules for goods from EU countries have changed significantly. Goods that previously moved freely under the single market now require full customs declarations, and some products that were exempt before may now need additional documentation or licences. See our guide to product compliance when importing from China for full details.

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Imports That Are Subject to Conditions

Almost any good that can be imported into the UK will be subject to certain conditions, but these conditions range from formalities to major obstacles. Here are the conditions that are particularly important to be aware of.

Import licence and surveillance

Firearms, ammunition, explosives, industrial waste, and radioactive products including isotopes for medical use all require specific import licences from the relevant government authority before they can enter the UK.

Compliance with British safety standards

A wide range of consumer and industrial products must meet UK safety standards before they can be sold. These include cars, trucks, telephone equipment, fertilisers, baby chairs, prams, children’s beds, outdoor equipment, ladders, scaffolds, barbecues, fire extinguishers, motorcycle helmets, pyrotechnics, products containing asbestos, gold jewellery, and measuring instruments. Non-compliant goods will be refused entry or seized at the border. For furniture products specifically, you must also comply with UKFR fire resistance regulations for furniture.

CITES licence (endangered species)

You must apply for export and import licences for certain animals, plants, or products derived from species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This applies to items such as caviar, ivory, certain timber species, reptile leather, and exotic pets.

Health certification

All imports of meat, fish, and dairy products require health certificates issued by the competent authority in the exporting country. Since January 2024, the UK has implemented its Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), which introduced risk-based health checks on animal and plant products at UK borders.

Heat treatment and phytosanitary certification

Wood and wood products imported from outside the UK must undergo heat treatment and be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate to prevent the introduction of tree pests and diseases. This applies to solid wood packaging materials (pallets, crates, dunnage) as well as timber products. For furniture importers sourcing timber from China, see our detailed guide to UK timber regulations for imported furniture.

Import licence and Quarantine Release Certificate (QRC)

Fruit, vegetables, live plants, and plant products that fall under plant-health controls require an import licence and a Quarantine Release Certificate (QRC) before they can be released from the border.

ODS licence

Substances that deplete the ozone layer — including certain refrigerants, solvents, and foam-blowing agents — require an ODS licence for import under the UK’s obligations to the Montreal Protocol.

Compliance with UK REACH (chemicals)

Chemical substances imported into the UK must comply with the UK Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (UK REACH) regulation. If you import one tonne or more of a chemical substance per year, you must register it with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This is separate from EU REACH and has applied since Brexit.

Wholesale, manufacturer, or MA licence (medicines)

Any medicines intended for human consumption require a wholesale dealer’s licence, a manufacturer’s licence, or a Marketing Authorisation (MA) from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Frequently Asked Questions: Commonly Queried Import Products

There are some products we are asked about frequently. Here is a summary of the rules around importing these products.

Can I import CBD products into the UK?

Yes, CBD products can be legally imported into the UK, including CBD oil, cosmetics, vapes, food, and drinks. However, you must demonstrate that your product contains less than 0.2% CBD and no more than 1mg of THC per container (effectively 0.0025% THC), verified through testing at an accredited laboratory.

CBD food and drink products must also comply with the UK’s Novel Food regulations, meaning you need a validated Novel Food application with the Food Standards Agency (FSA). If the CBD product is being promoted as a medicine, you will need regulatory approval from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Can I import tobacco into the UK?

You do not need a specific import licence to bring tobacco products into the UK. However, all imported tobacco must comply with the UK’s Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, including standardised packaging rules and the tobacco traceability system. Duty must be paid on all commercial tobacco imports, and products must carry the correct health warnings in English.

Can I import alcohol into the UK?

Yes, but if you are importing alcohol for wholesale (selling to other businesses), you must register under the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS) with HMRC. You will also need to comply with excise duty requirements, labelling regulations, and storage rules. As of 2026, the UK’s alcohol duty system follows the structure introduced in August 2023, which taxes products based on alcohol by volume (ABV) strength.

Can I import electronics into the UK?

Electronics can be imported, but they must comply with the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking requirements (or CE marking under transitional provisions). Products must meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards, electrical safety regulations, and, where applicable, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. Lithium battery products have additional shipping and labelling requirements. Ensuring your Chinese manufacturer is legitimate and properly certified is especially important for electronics, where counterfeit certifications are a known risk.

Can I import furniture into the UK?

Furniture can be imported into the UK, but upholstered furniture and furnishings must comply with UK Fire Resistance (UKFR) regulations under the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended). All items must carry the appropriate fire safety labels. Wooden furniture containing solid wood packaging must also meet phytosanitary requirements. Easy Imex is recognised as one of the best furniture sourcing agencies in China and can manage compliance end-to-end.

2026 UK Import Regulatory Updates: What Has Changed

The UK customs and import landscape continues to evolve in 2026. Below are the most significant changes importers need to be aware of.

Low-value import relief is being removed

The UK Government announced in the Autumn Budget 2025 that the £135 customs duty relief for low-value imports (LVIs) will be removed by March 2029 at the latest. A formal consultation ran from November 2025 to March 2026 to determine the new customs arrangements. This aligns with similar moves in the US (which removed its $800 de minimis threshold in August 2025) and the EU (which is removing its €150 duty exemption from July 2026).

Self-service access to customs declaration data

From March 2026, UK businesses can access their own customs declaration data for free through HMRC’s self-service portal. This is the same data HMRC uses for compliance checks, meaning businesses are now expected to proactively identify and correct errors in their declarations.

Updated commodity codes and tariff changes

The UK Tariff (version 1.31, dated 3 March 2026) introduced updated commodity codes affecting multiple sectors. Steel imports will face reduced quotas and higher tariffs from July 2026. Some goods from China may also be subject to UK anti-dumping duties that increase import costs. Preferential tariff agreements with Japan, Iceland-Norway, and Ukraine have also been updated.

Digital compliance and CDS transition

The transition to the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) is now complete, replacing the older CHIEF system. All importers must use CDS for customs declarations. HMRC’s 2025–26 transformation roadmap signals further automation and a move towards predictive, data-led compliance monitoring.

Sustainability and packaging regulations

UK Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) has moved to full fee modulation in 2026. Importers of packaged goods need to ensure compliance with new recycling assessment methodology (RAM) requirements. The UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is scheduled for October 2027, but preparation should begin now.

How to Import Goods Into the UK: Step-by-Step Process

If you’re planning to import goods into the UK — whether from China, the EU, or any other country — follow these steps to ensure compliance and avoid costly delays.

1. Get an EORI number. An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is mandatory for any business importing goods into the UK. You can apply online through HMRC and typically receive your number within 5–10 working days. Your UK EORI number starts with “GB” followed by 12 digits.
2. Classify your goods with the correct commodity code. Every product imported into the UK must be assigned a 10-digit commodity code from the UK Trade Tariff. This code determines the rate of duty, applicable VAT, and any restrictions or licences required. Misclassification is one of the most common compliance errors and can result in overpayment, underpayment, or seizure of goods.
3. Check for restrictions, licences, and certificates. Use the UK Trade Tariff tool on GOV.UK to check whether your specific commodity code requires any import licences, health certificates, conformity assessments, or other documentation before the goods can clear customs.
4. Register with the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). All customs declarations in the UK must now be submitted through CDS. You can register directly or authorise a customs broker to submit declarations on your behalf. Note: even when using a broker, you (the importer) remain legally liable for the accuracy of declarations.
5. Calculate and pay duties and VAT. Import duty rates vary by commodity code and country of origin. Standard UK VAT at 20% is charged on the CIF value (cost + insurance + freight) plus any duty payable. Understanding the CIF, FOB, and CFR Incoterms differences is essential to getting this calculation right. If you are VAT-registered, you can reclaim import VAT through your VAT return using postponed VAT accounting (PVA).
6. Arrange shipping and customs clearance. Work with a reliable freight forwarder and customs broker. You’ll need to choose between FCL and LCL shipping options depending on your order volume and budget. Ensure your shipment documentation — including commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any required certificates — is complete and accurate before the goods arrive at a UK port.
7. Consider using a sourcing agent. If you are importing from China, a sourcing agent like Easy Imex can handle supplier verification, shipping logistics, and regulatory compliance on your behalf. Easy Imex provides quality control and inspection services in China to ensure your goods meet UK standards before they ship.

UK Import Duty and VAT: Quick Reference

Don’t forget to factor in your full landed cost when calculating total procurement spend. Port-side costs can also add up — understanding destination delivery charges and their impact on cost will help you budget accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions About UK Imports

What items are banned from being imported into the UK?

The UK completely bans the import of illegal drugs, offensive weapons (such as flick knives and butterfly knives), self-defence sprays (pepper spray and CS gas), rough diamonds not certified under the Kimberley Process, indecent or obscene material, goods infringing intellectual property rights, and personal imports of meat and dairy from most non-EU countries.

Do I need a licence to import goods into the UK?

Most goods can be imported under the Open General Import Licence (OGIL) without needing to apply for a specific licence. However, certain categories — including firearms, explosives, medicines, certain chemicals, and CITES-listed species — require a specific import licence from the relevant government department. Always check the UK Trade Tariff for your commodity code’s requirements.

What is an EORI number and do I need one?

An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is a unique reference used to track imports and exports in the UK. You need one if you are importing goods commercially. UK EORI numbers begin with “GB” followed by 12 digits. You can apply for free through HMRC online.

How much duty do I pay when importing into the UK?

Import duty rates depend on the commodity code of your goods and their country of origin. Most consumer goods attract duty rates between 0% and 12%. Preferential rates may apply under free trade agreements (e.g. UK-Japan, UK-Australia). The UK Trade Tariff tool on GOV.UK gives exact rates for every commodity code.

What has changed about UK imports since Brexit?

Since the UK left the EU single market on 1 January 2021, all goods imported from the EU now require full customs declarations, duty payments, and regulatory compliance checks — the same as goods from any other country. The UK has also established its own UKCA marking system (replacing CE marking for most products), its own UK REACH chemical regulation, and its own Border Target Operating Model for food and plant product checks. See our comprehensive guide to importing from China to the UK for the full post-Brexit picture.

Can I import food products into the UK?

Yes, but food imports are subject to strict health and safety requirements. All meat, fish, and dairy imports require health certificates from the exporting country’s competent authority. Products of animal origin must enter through a designated Border Control Post (BCP). Novel foods (including most CBD food products) require authorisation from the Food Standards Agency.

What is the Customs Declaration Service (CDS)?

CDS is HMRC’s electronic system for processing customs declarations. It replaced the older CHIEF system. All UK importers must use CDS (either directly or through a customs broker) to declare goods and pay duties. CDS automatically checks for errors and calculates duties based on your commodity code and declared value.

How long does UK customs clearance take?

Standard customs clearance typically takes 1–3 working days once goods arrive at a UK port, assuming all documentation is correct and complete. Goods flagged for physical inspection or those requiring additional licences can take longer. Using a customs broker and ensuring accurate pre-arrival documentation significantly speeds up the process.

What are the UK import rules for goods from China?

Goods imported from China into the UK follow the same general import procedures as goods from any non-EU country. You need an EORI number, correct commodity codes, a customs declaration via CDS, and must pay all applicable duties and VAT. Some goods from China are subject to anti-dumping duties (e.g. certain steel and ceramic products). Working with a sourcing agent ensures your supplier provides compliant documentation, correct labelling, and quality-controlled goods. Use our guide to finding the best factories in China to start your supplier search.