Taking goods abroad to sell?

You must declare goods that you take with you to sell outside the UK – for example if they are in your baggage or in a private vehicle.

There is a different process if you take goods abroad temporarily (for example samples for a trade fair) or use a courier or freight forwarder.

Most countries have a limit on the value of goods you can bring in duty free.

If you are taking goods to another country temporarily for business reasons and you think you’ll be over the duty free limit, you can usually get an ATA Carnet to avoid paying duty. This includes things like:

  • samples to show at trade fairs or sales meetings
  • publicity materials
  • recorded film and audio
  • equipment you need for work like laptops, cameras or sound equipment
  • goods for educational, scientific or cultural purposes
  • personal effects and sports goods

If you are taking a vehicle, get a CPD Carnet instead.

If your goods have a total value of £1,500 or less, you may be able to make any customs declaration required online. Otherwise, you will need to make a full export declaration.

You will need to show customs your declaration before you can leave and if you are taking restricted goods, take the licence or certificate with you.