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Distribution Channels

Taking commercial goods out of Great Britain in your baggage

Check what you need to do when exporting commercial goods out of Great Britain in your accompanied baggage or small vehicle.

Commercial goods also known as Merchandise in Baggage are goods (to sell or use in your business) where:

• a commercial transport operator does not carry them for you or you do not pay them to carry them for you
• you’ve travelled from Great Britain carrying goods either:
               in your baggage
               in a small vehicle that can carry up to no more than 9 people and weighing less than 3.5 tonnes

There’s a different way to or commercial goods you’re bringing into Great Britain.

Moving goods from Great Britain to other countries

How to declare

You should check the customs requirements for the country you’re travelling to because these may differ from UK requirements.

Making a full declaration

You must submit a full export declaration before you leave Great Britain if your goods:

• have a value of more than £1,500
• weigh more than 1,000kg
• are alcohol, tobacco or fuel (excise goods)
• need a licence (controlled goods)
• are being put into a customs special procedure

You must also submit a full declaration if you’re:

• claiming relief
• delaying paying duty

You or (someone dealing with customs for you) will need to:

1. Get an EORI number

2. Get access to the National Export System if you’re making a full export declaration

You’ll need software that works with CHIEF if you are making your own declaration.

Making a simple online declaration

If you do not need to make a full declaration, you can make a online declaration in the 5 days before you leave with your goods.

You can make an online declaration if the goods:

• have a value of less than £1,500
• weigh less than 1,000 kilograms
• are not restricted goods
• are not alcohol, tobacco or fuel (excise goods)

After making your declaration online, you can make your onward journey to depart from Great Britain.

If you’re not taking commercial goods out of the UK, you do not need to make a declaration.

When you leave Great Britain

If your goods are:

• over the total value of £1,500
• excise or restricted goods

You’ll need to present your goods to the Border Force officer at the airport or port of departure 3 hours before you leave and either:

• bring proof of your declaration
• make a declaration in the red channel at the port

If there are no red channels at your port of departure

You will need to pre-lodge your customs declaration in CHIEF before you arrive at the port and complete a C1601 for the National Clearance Hub to arrive your goods. You will need to complete a C1602 if you need your goods departing.

The National Clearance Hub will then automatically accept your goods at the port of departure.

If a customs agent makes a declaration on your behalf you need to contact them about any National Clearance Hub messages.

Moving goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland

You do not need to make a declaration on exiting Great Britain.

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