CustomsUnited Kingdom
Traffic rules
United Kingdom
1. Customs
Customs is the government authority responsible for controlling goods entering or leaving a country or customs territory. In road traffic, a customs checkpoint is a place where drivers may be required to stop so officers can inspect the vehicle, luggage, cargo and relevant documents.
Customs controls may take place at borders, ports, ferry terminals, airports or inland control locations. Drivers must follow all traffic signs, lane signals, barriers and instructions from customs officers. Declaration requirements depend on the countries involved and on the type, value, quantity and intended use of the goods being carried.
Which customs authority should drivers consult for travel to the United Kingdom?
Consult the UK Government’s official customs guidance and HM Revenue and Customs for the goods, luggage and vehicle-related customs requirements of the journey. Customs controls concern goods and declarations; they must be distinguished from passport checks, a road toll or ordinary traffic control.
Do customs requirements depend on the route and goods when entering the United Kingdom?
Yes. The UK guidance distinguishes Great Britain from Northern Ireland and takes account of where the goods come from. Check the actual route and territory; a passport or visa is not a customs declaration for the goods carried.
What should motorists check before declaring goods in the United Kingdom?
Check the official declaration requirements for goods over your applicable allowance, commercial goods, controlled articles and cash or other monetary instruments. These categories have different rules and thresholds. Declare as required and ask customs if unsure; do not assume a duty-free purchase is exempt from all controls.
