Import licences for controlled goods

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. Use the Species+ database (speciesplus.net) to confirm your specimen is CITES-listed and which annex it falls under.
2. Specify whether you're importing live animals, dead specimens, derivatives, or products.
3. Submit your application at apply-for-a-cites-permit.service.gov.uk with full specimen details, origin, and purpose.
4. Contact the exporting country's CITES management authority for their export permit. You need both import and export permits for legal trade.
5. Live animals must have ISO-compliant microchips; birds need sealed leg rings.
6. 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. Apply to Home Office DFLU for a licence to possess, supply, or produce controlled drugs. Expect fees of £3,133 to £4,700.
2. Request a National Drug control System (NDS) account, which takes around 5 working days.
3. Add your overseas suppliers to NDS with their export authorisation details. Processing takes approximately 5 working days.
4. Add the specific products you'll import with their schedule classification.
5. Apply through the NDS portal for each consignment. Each licence costs £24 and is non-refundable even if unused.
6. 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 Import Licensing Branch of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST). You must already hold a valid firearms certificate or be a Registered Firearms Dealer.

How to apply for a firearms import licence

1. You need a valid firearms certificate, shotgun certificate, or RFD status before applying.
2. Create an account on the Import Case Management System. Your domestic authority will be verified.
3. Provide exporter details, goods description, quantity, and country of origin.
4. If your authority is already verified, your licence may be granted immediately.
5. Your licence must accompany the goods through customs.

BIST does not charge a fee for firearms import licences.

Nuclear materials

Importing uranium, plutonium, or other nuclear materials requires a Nuclear Materials Import Licence (NMIL) from BIST, 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. Confirm the exporting country is a Kimberley Process participant. Imports from non-participants are denied entry.
2. The exporting country's competent authority must issue a Kimberley Process certificate.
3. Diamonds must be in sealed, tamper-resistant containers.
4. The Government Diamond Office (GDO) checks the certificate is genuine 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. Screen all goods, countries of origin and trading parties against the UK Sanctions List, which has been the sole authoritative list since 28 January 2026.
2. OFSI handles financial sanctions; OTSI handles trade sanctions; ECJU handles strategic goods.
3. Include commercial rationale, end-user details, and goods specifications. Humanitarian exceptions may apply.
4. 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.