Guidance

Claim back an import security deposit or guarantee

Claim back a security deposit or guarantee for goods you brought into the UK using Temporary Admission with an authorisation by declaration.

You can claim back the security deposit or guarantee for goods you: 

  • imported into the UK temporarily
  • moved from Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) to Northern Ireland to use temporarily before moving them back to Great Britain

Who can claim

You can make an online claim if you are: 

  • an importer
  • a customs agent
  • a freight forwarder or fast parcel operator, acting on behalf of the importer
  • a business, importing goods for commercial use

To claim online you’ll need to subscribe to the Customs Declaration Service.

Who cannot claim online 

You will not be able to make an online claim if:  

  • you have already received a reminder letter 
  • the Movement Reference Number (MRN) has already been used for another claim 
  • you are a private individual

Instead, you’ll need to email HMRC’s National Temporary Admission team at ntis@hmrc.gov.uk, who will review your claim.

When to claim

Temporary Admission can be used for up to 24 months (depending on the goods you import). 

You must submit the claim after you’ve exported, discharged or disposed of all the goods, and before the end of the Temporary Admission period.  

If the Temporary Admission period has ended, you’ll need to email HMRC’s National Temporary Admission team at: ntis@hmrc.gov.uk.

What you’ll need

To claim a security deposit or guarantee you’ll need:

  • an import Movement Reference Number (MRN
  • evidence of discharge (this may be another import MRN or an export MRN
  • details on how long the goods were declared to be in the UK at the time of import
  • information on how the goods were used
  • the payee’s bank details  
  • your contact and address details  
  • to know the amount you are claiming

You’ll also need any supporting documents. Files can be up to 9MB each and can include: 

  • commercial invoices
  • import or export declarations
  • packing lists
  • substitute or diversion entry
  • other documents that support your claim

How to claim

Make sure you have all your necessary documents and files ready to upload before you start. 

Sign in with the Government Gateway user ID and password that you used to subscribe to the Customs Declaration Service. This ID will be linked to your EORI number.

Online services may be slow during busy times. Check if there are any problems with this service.

Claim now

After you’ve made a claim

You’ll get an email from HMRC confirming your claim reference number.

HMRC may contact you to ask for more information if needed.

You can view the status of your claim by visiting the claims dashboard in the online service.

Updates to this page

Published 31 March 2025

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