07 September 2008
Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS)
 
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Import Licensing Branch (ILB)

The majority of goods can be imported into the United Kingdom without the need to apply for an import licence.

Currently ILB issues import licences for certain goods mainly to implement:

BERR's trade policy measures (these measures may be in the form of quantitive quotas where the volume will be restricted, or freely issued prior surveillance licences so that volumes imported may be monitored)  

  • certain textiles from Belarus, China, Montenegro, North Korea and Uzbekistan
  • iron & steel

For safety reasons (these imports are generally issued only to those with domestic authority to possess)

  • firearms and ammunition

As a result of international obligations (these usually take the form of an embargo and no imports will be allowed)

  • anti-personnel mines
  • torture equipment

ILB publicises its restrictions by issuing Notices to Importers. Notices covering the current and most popular restrictions are available by clicking on Notices to Importers on the left hand side of this page. Notices no longer current are available directly from ILB.

The forms needed to apply for an import licence can also be accessed by clicking on Import Licensing Forms on the left hand side of this page. As an original signature is needed or in some cases original supporting documents it is not possible to electronically return applications to ILB.

BERR is not the only Government department to have import restrictions. 

A full list of import restrictions and prohibitions is listed in volume 1, part 3 of HM Revenue and Customs Integrated Tariff which is available from TSO.

For example the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) issues import licences for agricultural, horticultural products and certain items of food and drink. Traders importing these products will need to contact them for advice not ILB (for link to RPA website see related links on right, you will need to click on rpa schemes and then the link for External Trade).

All imported food must obey certain rules to ensure that it is safe to eat. Further information on this can be found on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website (see related links on the right).

There may be other import restrictions and it is the responsibility of importers to ensure that they are aware of them.

If you have a specific query about the work of the Department's Import Licensing branch and cannot find the answer on this site, then the ILB Enquiry point will be able to help you. 

Contact:

ILB Enquiry Point
Tel: 01642 364333/334
Fax: 01642 364269
enquiries.ilb@berr.gsi.gov.uk 

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