Required Import Documents
EORI Number
Economic Operators Registration and Identification number — free to apply at gov.uk. Required for any business importing goods commercially into the UK. Without it, you cannot clear customs.
Commodity Code (HS Code)
A 10-digit code from the UK Global Tariff that determines your import duty rate, VAT treatment, and any licensing requirements. Use the official HMRC Trade Tariff tool at trade-tariff.service.gov.uk.
Customs Import Declaration (C88)
Filed electronically via HMRC's Customs Declaration Service (CDS). Most businesses use a licensed customs broker to prepare and submit this. Required for all commercial goods entering the UK.
Commercial Invoice
Must include supplier details, goods description, quantity, HS code, total value in transaction currency, Incoterms, and country of origin.
Proof of Origin
Required to claim preferential duty rates under UK trade agreements (UK–Turkey, DCTS, UKFTA with various countries). Can be a certificate of origin, EUR.1, ATR, or supplier's declaration depending on the trade agreement.
Compliance & Tariff Requirements
UKCA Marking
Post-Brexit replacement for CE marking in Great Britain (England, Wales, Scotland). Required for most regulated product categories (machinery, electronics, toys, PPE, medical devices) placed on the UK market. Northern Ireland may still accept CE in some cases under Windsor Framework rules.
UK Import Duty (UKGT)
Varies by commodity. Common rates: electronics 0–3.7%, clothing 12%, footwear 16–17%, machinery 0–3.5%. Use the HMRC Trade Tariff tool to find the exact rate for your HS code.
Import VAT
VAT at 20% applies to most goods imported into the UK. VAT-registered businesses can use the Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) scheme to defer payment to the VAT return rather than paying at the border. Non-VAT-registered importers pay VAT upfront.
Product Safety Requirements
REACH (chemicals), RoHS (electronics), UK GPSR (General Product Safety Regulations), and sector-specific regs (food safety, medicines, medical devices). Non-compliant goods will be seized at the border.
Import Licensing
Some goods require import licences: firearms and ammunition, dual-use goods, certain agricultural products, species under CITES (wildlife trade). Check GOV.UK for the list before ordering.
Shipping & Lead Times
Main UK import ports: Felixstowe (largest container port), Southampton, Tilbury (London Gateway), Liverpool, Bristol. For sea freight, use a licensed freight forwarder who is CDS-registered to handle customs declarations. For air: Heathrow (LHR) handles the majority of air cargo. For road (from Europe/Turkey): Dover/Folkestone via Channel Tunnel or ferry.
Sourcing on Towobo
When sourcing on Towobo, all supplier listings include country of origin information — essential for calculating your UK import duty and checking preferential tariff eligibility. Towobo's payment protection holds funds until you confirm receipt, protecting you from supply-side risk.
Browse All SuppliersFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a customs broker to import into the UK?
Legally no — you can file your own customs declarations via HMRC's CDS (Customs Declaration Service). Practically, most businesses use a licensed customs broker or freight forwarder who offers customs clearance as part of their service, especially for their first imports. The cost is typically £50–£150 per shipment.
What is Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA)?
PVA allows VAT-registered UK importers to account for import VAT on their VAT return rather than paying it at the border — significantly improving cash flow. To use PVA, tick the relevant box when submitting your import declaration. Access your Monthly Postponed Import VAT Statement (MPIVS) via your HMRC online account.
How do I check the import duty rate for my product?
Use the HMRC Trade Tariff tool at trade-tariff.service.gov.uk. Enter your product's 10-digit commodity code (or search by description) to see the UK Global Tariff rate, any preferential rates under trade agreements, and applicable licences or controls.
What is UKCA marking and how do I get it for my products?
UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is required for most regulated goods sold in Great Britain. Your supplier/manufacturer must demonstrate conformity to the relevant UK technical standards. For CE-marked products from EU suppliers, you may need to arrange UK conformity assessment testing. From 2025, CE marking is no longer accepted for most categories in Great Britain.
How do I use Incoterms when importing into the UK?
Incoterms define who bears cost and risk at each stage of the shipment. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the supplier handles customs and duty — simple but you lose control. DAP/DAT (Delivered at Place/Terminal) means you handle UK import clearance. FOB (Free On Board) is common for sea freight: you arrange UK freight and import. EXW (Ex Works) means you arrange everything from the supplier's factory.
Sourcing Guides for Popular UK Import Requirements Imports
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