Guide

Import licences for controlled goods

How to get import licences for controlled goods including endangered species, controlled drugs, firearms, nuclear materials, and sanctioned goods. Covers which authority to apply to, fees, and application processes.

Manufacturing & EngineeringRetail & Consumer Goods UK-wide

Some goods require an import licence before you can bring them into the UK. These include endangered species, controlled drugs, firearms, nuclear materials, and goods affected by sanctions.

You must apply for your licence before the goods are transported to the UK. Border Force cannot approve licence applications at the point of entry - your goods will be seized if you arrive without a valid licence.

Do you need an import licence?

You need an import licence if you're importing:

  • Endangered species, plants, or wildlife (CITES-listed)
  • Controlled drugs or drug precursor chemicals
  • Firearms and ammunition
  • Nuclear materials (uranium, plutonium)
  • Rough diamonds
  • Explosives or specified animal pathogens
  • Goods subject to trade sanctions
  • Anti-personnel mines or torture equipment (for limited permitted purposes)

Different authorities handle different goods categories. Apply to the wrong authority and your application will be rejected.

Goods that cannot be imported

Some goods are absolutely prohibited and cannot be imported under any circumstances. Attempting to import them is a criminal offence that can result in imprisonment and unlimited fines.

Endangered species (CITES permits)

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) regulates trade in endangered wildlife, plants, and products made from them. If your import contains CITES-listed species - including items like ivory, exotic leather, certain woods, or live animals - you need a permit from APHA.

Protection levels

Species are classified into annexes based on how endangered they are. The annex determines what permits you need and whether commercial trade is allowed.

CITES permit fees

APHA charges fees for processing CITES applications. Complex cases requiring scientific review by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (animals) or Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (plants) may take longer than the standard 30-day target.

How to apply for a CITES permit

  1. Check the species listing - Use the Species+ database (speciesplus.net) to confirm your specimen is CITES-listed and which annex it falls under
  2. Identify the correct trade term - Specify whether you're importing live animals, dead specimens, derivatives, or products
  3. Apply through APHA's online service - Submit your application at apply-for-a-cites-permit.service.gov.uk with full specimen details, origin, and purpose
  4. Obtain the export permit - Contact the exporting country's CITES management authority for their export permit. You need both import and export permits for legal trade.
  5. Ensure proper marking - Live animals must have ISO-compliant microchips; birds need sealed leg rings
  6. Import through a designated port - Only certain UK ports accept CITES specimens. Check the list before arranging shipment.

Personal luggage exemptions

Small quantities of certain CITES specimens can be carried in personal luggage without a permit. These exemptions have strict limits.

Controlled drugs

Importing controlled substances requires a licence from the Home Office Drugs and Firearms Licensing Unit (DFLU). This applies to legitimate pharmaceutical imports, research chemicals, and precursor substances.

Before you can apply for an import licence, you must hold a domestic controlled drugs licence allowing you to possess, supply, or produce the substance. Allow up to 16 weeks for a compliance visit if required for your domestic licence.

How to apply for a controlled drugs import licence

  1. Obtain your domestic licence - Apply to Home Office DFLU for a licence to possess, supply, or produce controlled drugs. Expect fees of £3,133 to £4,700.
  2. Set up your NDS account - Request a National Drug control System (NDS) account, which takes around 5 working days
  3. Register your trading partners - Add your overseas suppliers to NDS with their export authorisation details. Processing takes approximately 5 working days.
  4. Register your drug preparations - Add the specific products you'll import with their schedule classification
  5. Submit each import application - Apply through the NDS portal for each consignment. Each licence costs £24 and is non-refundable even if unused.
  6. Endorse shipments promptly - When goods arrive, immediately record the actual quantities received in NDS. Failure to endorse promptly can trigger account suspension.

Import licences are valid for 3 months. You need a new licence for each shipment.

Firearms and ammunition

Importing firearms requires a licence from the DBT Import Licensing Branch. You must already hold a valid firearms certificate or be a Registered Firearms Dealer.

How to apply for a firearms import licence

  1. Ensure you hold a firearms authority - You need a valid firearms certificate, shotgun certificate, or RFD status before applying
  2. Register on ICMS - Create an account on the Import Case Management System. Your domestic authority will be verified.
  3. Submit your application - Provide exporter details, goods description, quantity, and country of origin
  4. Receive your licence - Applications with pre-verified authorities may be granted immediately
  5. Present at import - Your licence must accompany the goods through customs

There is currently no fee for firearms import licences from DBT.

Nuclear materials

Importing uranium, plutonium, or other nuclear materials requires a Nuclear Materials Import Licence (NMIL) from DBT, reviewed by the Office for Nuclear Regulation.

Rough diamonds

The Kimberley Process prevents conflict diamonds entering legitimate trade. All rough diamond imports must be accompanied by a valid Kimberley Process certificate from the exporting country.

How to import rough diamonds

  1. Verify the source country - Confirm the exporting country is a Kimberley Process participant. Imports from non-participants are denied entry.
  2. Obtain the KP certificate - The exporting country's competent authority must issue a Kimberley Process certificate
  3. Use tamper-resistant packaging - Diamonds must be in sealed, tamper-resistant containers
  4. Present to Government Diamond Office - GDO verifies certificate authenticity before clearing the import

Sanctioned goods

If goods, their origin country, or any party in the transaction is subject to UK sanctions, you may need a licence to complete the import. Sanctions are enforced by different authorities depending on whether they're financial or trade-related.

Trade sanctions licensing (OTSI)

Since October 2024, the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) handles trade sanctions licensing. For strategic goods (dual-use or military items), apply through the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU).

Before importing any goods that might be affected by sanctions:

  1. Check the UK Sanctions List - From 28 January 2026, this becomes the sole authoritative source. Screen all goods, countries of origin, and trading parties.
  2. Determine the correct authority - OFSI handles financial sanctions; OTSI handles trade sanctions; ECJU handles strategic goods
  3. Apply with detailed justification - Include commercial rationale, end-user details, and goods specifications. Humanitarian exceptions may apply.
  4. Comply strictly with conditions - Breach of licence conditions is a criminal offence with penalties up to 7 years imprisonment and unlimited fines

Penalties for importing without a licence

Importing controlled goods without the required licence is a serious criminal offence. Penalties vary by goods category but can include lengthy prison sentences and unlimited fines.

Northern Ireland differences

Under the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland operates under different rules for some controlled goods:

  • CITES - EU Wildlife Trade Regulations apply in Northern Ireland, with a different permit regime from Great Britain
  • Dual-use exports - No licence required to export controlled dual-use items from Northern Ireland to the EU

If you're trading through Northern Ireland, check the specific rules that apply to your goods category.

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