Bringing goods into the UK for personal use

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Declare goods and pay tax and duty to UK customs

Use this service before arriving in the UK to:

  • check if you need to pay tax or duty on any goods you’re bringing in
  • declare goods if you go over your allowances
  • pay any tax or duty you owe

You can do this from 5 days (120 hours) before you’re due to arrive in the UK.

If you declare your goods online, the customs and excise duty will be calculated using simplified rates.

Before you start

You’ll need:

  • the exact price of your goods in the currency you used to pay for them
  • the quantity or volume of your goods
  • the country where your goods were made or produced if you are travelling from the EU
  • your passport number or EU identity card number
  • the date and time of your arrival
  • a credit or debit card if you need to pay tax or duty

You can use your driving licence number or phone number instead of a passport number if you’re travelling from Great Britain (England, Wales or Scotland) to Northern Ireland.

Declare and pay any tax or duty

Use this service to:

  • make an online customs declaration
  • update an online customs declaration
  • pay any tax or duty you owe before you arrive in the UK

Start now

After you’ve declared your goods

If you’ve given your email address, you will get an email receipt. If not, make a note of the reference number you’re given.

Customs officials may ask for the receipt or confirmation number at the UK border.

You can use the green ‘nothing to declare’ channel when you enter the UK.

If you need to declare more goods

You can make changes online after making your original declaration.

To change your declaration, you’ll need:

  • your declaration reference number
  • the exact price of your goods in the currency you used to pay for them
  • the number of items or volume of your goods
  • the country where your goods were produced if you are travelling from the EU

If you cannot use the service

Call the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) helpline if you cannot use the online service.

HMRC helpline
Telephone: 0300 322 9434
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges

Apply for a refund

Fill in form C82 if you’ve paid too much tax or duty and need to apply for a refund. Send it to the address on the form.

Email HMRC if you need this form in a different format: different.format@hmrc.gov.uk

View a printable version of the whole guide

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