G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
17 October 2023 
(23-6987) Page: 1/48 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES1 
NOTIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE 7.3 OF THE AGREEMENT  
ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES (20 23) 
UNITED KINGDOM  
The following communication , of which a first draft was received  on 21 September 202 2, is being 
circulated at the request of the delegation of the United Kingdom.  
 
_______________  
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
 
1 DEPARTMENT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS  .............................  2 
1.1   Agricultural Products – Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) import licences  ................................ ........  2 
1.2   Agricultural Products – Non-quota import licences  ................................ ..........................  5 
1.3   Endangered Species (CITES)  ................................ ................................ .......................  7 
1.4   Harvested Timber  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 10 
1.5   Items made of or containing Ivory  ................................ ................................ .............  16 
1.6   Waste shipment  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 19 
1.7   Ozone -depleting substances  ................................ ................................ ......................  21 
1.8   Fluorinated gases including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)  ................................ .................  28 
2   HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE  ................................ ................................ ..............  35 
2.1   Civil explosives  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 35 
3   HOME OFFICE  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  37 
3.1   Drug precur sors ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 37 
3.2   Controlled drugs  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 40 
3.3   Firearms  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  42 
4   DEPARTMENT FO R ENERGY SECURITY AND NET ZERO ................................ ...............  44 
4.1   Nuclear Materials  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 44 
5   FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE  ................................ .........  46 
5.1   Rough Diamonds  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 46 
 
 
 
 
 
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire.  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
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  1 DEPARTMENT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS  
 
1.1  Agricultural Products – Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) import licences  
 
Outline of  system  
 
1. The United Kingdom (UK) operates a system of import licences in order to administer tariff rate 
quotas (TRQs) by the simultaneous examination method or licence on demand for certain agricultural 
products arising from obligations at the WTO or resulting from arrangements with the government 
of a country or territory of a country  outside the UK.   
   
The regulations listed at paragraph 2.5 set out which products are subject to import licence 
requirements and the process by which operators can apply for and utilise import licences.   
   
Import licences are issued by the Rural Payme nts Agency and are valid for a certain period which 
varies depending upon the different products.  
   
Once the Rural Payments Agency have received an application which meets the criteria set out in 
these Regulations, they will issue the relevant import lic ence within stated deadlines.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of licensing  
 
2. Under the Customs (Tariff Quotas) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, any good imported under TRQs  
which are listed in the Licensing Table in Schedule 2 of these regulations are subject to an import 
licence according to the conditions set out in these regulations.  
 
(i) Beef and Veal under the commodity codes 0201 10, 0201 20, 0201 30, 0202 10, 0202 20 , 
0202 30, 0206 10 and 0206 29;    
(ii) Pig meat under the commodity codes 0203 12, 0203 19, 0203 22 and 0203 29;  
(iii) Poultry meat under the commodity codes 0207 11, 0207 12, 0207 13, 0207 14, 0207 27, 
0210 99, 1602 31, 1602 32 and 1602 39;   
(iv) Garlic  under the commodity code 0703 20;   
(v) Milk and dairy products under the commodity codes 0405 10 and 0406 90;   
(vi)   Cereals and Rice products under the commodity codes 1001 99, 1005 10, 1005 90, 1006 20, 
1006 30 and 1006 40;   
(vii) Sugar (cane or bee t) under the commodity code 1701.  
   
3. This licences system applies to the countries for whom the tariff rate quotas are opened. Details 
on all the tariff rate quotas that the UK operate can be found at the following links : 
 
- Reference Documents for The Customs (Tariff Quotas) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 - GOV.UK 
(www.gov.uk)  
- Reference Documents for The Customs Tariff (Preferential Trade Arrangements) (EU Exit) 
Regulations 2020 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)  
   
4. Non-automatic licensing is intended to allocate the restricted quantity of imports which can benefit 
from reduced duties under TRQs in a clear and transparent manner.   
  
5. The legal basis for these import licences are the following statutory instruments made under the 
Taxation (Cross -border Trade) Act 2018:   
  
-  The Customs (Tariff Quotas) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020; and  
-  The Customs Tariff (Preferential Trade Arrangements ) (EU Exit) Regulation 2020 . 
  
The products which are subject to this import licensing regime are designated in the above 
legislation. Revocation of this regime would require new or amended legislation to be brought before 
Parliament.  
  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
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  Procedures  
 
6. The UK does not apply restrictions on the imports of agricultural products. However, imports of 
agricultural products at a lower duty rate than the UK bound rate are possible under TRQs. Imports 
under TRQs may be subject to an import licence:  
  
I. The Customs (Tariff Quota) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 sets out the two management methods 
for TRQs:   
   
(a) First-come first -served ; and  
(b) Licence system - Simultaneous examination method and licence on demand . 
  
The first -come first -served method does not involve the issuing of licenses.  
   
This relevant guidance is available on https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the -trader -s-guide -to-
importing -and-exporting -certain -agricultural -goods . 
   
II. The tariff quotas are opened on a yearly basis and their administration may differ. There are 
cases where the total quantity of the quota is divided in biannual, quarterly or monthly 
subperiods. Licence applications take place on a monthly basis, in the fi rst seven days of each 
month.    
   
III. Licences are allotted to any applicant meeting the eligibility criteria irrespective of their place 
of establishment in the UK or the Crown Dependencies. To ensure that allocated licences are 
actually used, a system of s ecurities applies. If imports are not, or partially not realised, the 
licence holder's security is forfeited or partially forfeited.   
   
IV. The minimum amount of time an operator has to apply for an import licence for a certain 
quota following the publicatio n of the opening of the quota in the first seven days of each 
month throughout the quota year.    
   
V. Licences are issued at latest by the end of the month in which the application was received, 
except that licences that are valid from 1 January must be iss ued by 16 December of the 
preceding year.  
    
VI. The time between issuing an import licence and the quota opening is usually one week.  
   
VII. Licence administration is managed by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).  
   
VIII.  The majority of TRQs managed by an import lic ence are subject to the simultaneous 
examination procedure. If the demand for licences cannot be fully satisfied, the RPA calculates 
to what extend the total quantity can be allocated and fixes a uniform allocation coefficient 
valid for each import licence .  Some other quotas managed by an import licence such as some 
beef and dairy quotas are subject to licence on demand after presentation of a third country 
certificate.  
   
For certain over -subscribed quotas, quantities will be allocated on the basis of pr evious 
imports of those products (reference quantity).   
   
IX. When export licences are issued by third countries, importers will either need to submit this 
licence or a copy with their application for a licence or present directly to Customs authorities.    
   
X. There are no cases where imports under quota are allowed on the basis of export permits 
only.  
   
XI. There are no products for which licences are issued on condition that goods should be exported 
and not sold in the domestic market.  
  
7.(a)-(d) Not applicable.  
  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
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  8. The legislation does not give grounds for refusal of an application for a licence other t han failure 
to meet the ordinary eligibility criteria. Reasons for refusal are given to the applicant. No appeal 
procedures are specified in the legislation.  
  
Eligibility of importers to apply for license  
 
9. To be eligible to apply for a licence, an importer must be:   
   
(a) registered under the Value Added Tax Act 1994;   
(b) established in the United Kingdom, which for an individual means a resident of the UK, or in 
any other case means where a person has a  registered office in the UK or a permanent place 
in the United Kingdom from which the person carries out activities which the person is 
constituted to perform;   
(c) registered with HM Revenue and Customs for an Economic Operator's Registration and 
Identi fication number;   
(d) where goods that are subject to a quota by virtue of UK Regulations are subject to a quota 
under equivalent legislation in the Crown Dependencies, licences are administered by the RPA 
for operators established in the Crown Dependenci es.   
   
There is no registration fee to become an importer. There is no published list of authorised importers.  
  
Documentation and other requirements for application for license  
 
10. There are no requirements regarding the format of an application, but  guidance on how to apply 
for a TRQ can be found online at Licences for the import/export of agricultural products - GOV.UK 
(www.gov.uk)  
   
Applications for imports under certain TRQs  for milk and milk products will need to be accompanied 
by an Inward Monitoring Arrangement (IMA) certificate or a copy of this certificate. This certificate 
should be issued by the recognised authority for the exporting company. TRQs with this requirement  
and the details of recognised authorities are set out in Part B, Schedule 1 of the Customs (Tariff 
Quota) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020.  
   
Applications for imports under certain TRQs for beef and veal products will need to be accompanied 
by a Certificate o f Authenticity or a copy of this certificate. This certificate should be issued by the 
recognised authority for the exporting company. TRQs with this requirement and the details of 
recognised authorities are set out in Part B, Schedule 1 of the Customs (Ta riff Quota) (EU Exit) 
Regulations 2020.  
   
11. When the import declaration is made, a copy of the relevant TRQ import licence, in an electronic 
form or otherwise, must be presented to customs. For certain high -quality beef quotas, the goods 
must also be a ccompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity issued by the authorised government body 
in the exporting territory. The quotas and issuing bodies are listed in Part B, Schedule 1 of the 
Customs (Tariff Quota) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020.  
   
12. There are no f ees for applying for a TRQ import licence.  
   
13. There are no fees for applying for a TRQ import licence, however, a security must be lodged with 
the RPA. The amount of the security depends on the products and is set out in Schedule 2 of the 
Customs (Tar iff Quota) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. The security is returned once the conditions of 
the licence have been met and the goods have been imported.  
  
Conditions of licensing  
 
14. A TRQ  import licence is valid from the first day of the opening of the quota period or sub -period 
for which the application was made, if the licence application was received prior to the 
commencement of the quota period or sub -period or from the first day of th e month following receipt 
of the licence application, if the application is received within the quota period or sub -period for 
which the application was made. A TRQ import licence is valid until the end of the quota period in 
respect of which it was issued .  
   G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
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  Milk and milk products   
Where an IMA has been submitted with an application for an import licence, the licence issued will 
be valid from the date of its issue until the final day of the month, which is the eighth month following 
its issue so long as  that period does not extend beyond 31st December in the year in which it was 
issued.   
   
Beef and veal   
Where a Certificate of Authenticity has been submitted with an application for an import licence, the 
licence issued will be valid for the relevant q uota period or a period of three months beginning with 
the day on which the licence was issued, whichever period ends first.   
   
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilisation of a TRQ import licence. However, if an import licence 
is not used the securit y lodged with the application is forfeited. If an import licence is only partially 
used, a proportional amount of the security is forfeited.  
   
16. Import authorisations are transferable between importers. Import licences constitute a right and 
give rise to an obligation to import under the licence during its period of validity. As a general rule, 
rights deriving from licences are transferable by the titular holder of the licence during the period of 
its validity, but obligations deriving from licences are  not transferable. The original licence holder 
should apply to the Rural Payments Agency to transfer the licence. The transferee should meet the 
same eligibility criteria as the transferor.  
   
17. No other conditions are attached to the issuance of an imp ort authorisation for products subject 
to or not subject to quantitative restrictions.  
  
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. No other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative 
procedures are required prior to importation.   
   
19. The banking authorities automatically provide foreign exchange for goods to be imported as well 
as to cover im port licences. A licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.   
 
1.2  Agricultural Products – Non-quota import licences  
 
Outline of system  
 
1. The United Kingdom (UK) operates a system of import licences to monitor trade flows for certain 
agricultural products. This system does not limit access to the UK market.  
   
The regulations implementing this system set out which products are subject to im port licence 
requirements and the process by which operators can apply for and utilise import licences.   
   
Import licences are issued by the Rural Payments Agency and are valid for a certain period, which 
varies depending upon the different products.  
   
Once the Rural Payments Agency have received an application, which meets the criteria set out in 
the regulations, they will issue the relevant import licence within five working days.   
  
Purposes and Coverage of licensing  
 
2. The following goods are subj ect to an import licence in the United Kingdom:   
   
(i) Hemp seeds for sowing, raw hemp, hemp seeds not for sowing under the commodity codes 
1207 99 20, 1207 99 91 and 5302 10 00.  
   
The following goods are subject to an import licence in Northern Irelan d only:   
   
(i) Husked, milled or broken rice products under the commodity codes 1006 20, 1006 30 and 
1006 40 00.  
(ii) Ethyl Alcohol of agricultural origin under the commodity codes 2207 10 00, 2207 20 00, 2208 
90 91 and 2208 90 99.  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
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  3. The licence system for the United Kingdom applies to all countries without exception. Licences 
required only in Northern Ireland are not r equired for imports from the European Union.    
   
4. The automatic licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. The purpose 
is to monitor trade flows for certain agricultural products without limiting access to the UK market.   
   
5. The legal bases for these import licences respectively are:    
   
- The Import and Export Licences (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, laid under the 
European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 which amends retained EU law: Commission Delegated 
Regulation (EU) No. 2016/1237 of 18 May 2016 and Commission Implementing Regu lation 
(EU) No. 2016/1239 of 18 May 2016.    
- The Import and Export Licensing (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2021.  
- Chapter I of Part III of Regulation (EU) No . 1308/2013 applies in respect of Northern Ireland 
by virtue of the application of sec tion 7A of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and 
Annex 2 of the Northern Ireland Protocol.  
   
The products which are subject to this import licensing regime are designated in the above 
legislation. Revocation of this regime would require new or ame nded legislation to be brought 
before Parliament.  
   
6. Not applicable.  
   
7.(a)  A licence is issued within five working days of receiving a valid application. The day an 
application for a licence is lodged shall be deemed to be the working day on which  it is received 
by the licence issuing authority, provided that it has been received not later than midday. 
A licence is valid from the day of issue.  
(b) A licence is granted without delay after a valid application has been lodged, within five working 
days.  
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence may 
be made.   
(d) The Rural Payments Agency administers all licence applications.  
   
8. Import licences for hemp or hemp seeds are only issued where the co nditions laid down in 
Article  189(1) of retained EU Regulation No. 1308/2013 have been met. Otherwise, the legislation 
does not give grounds for refusal of an application for a licence other than failure to meet the ordinary 
eligibility criteria. Reasons f or refusal are given to the applicant. No appeal procedures are specified 
in the legislation.  
  
Eligibility of importers to apply for license  
 
9. To apply for a licence, an importer must have an Economic Operator's Registration and 
Identification number and be registered with the Rural Payments Agency. There is no registration 
fee to become an importer. There is no published list of authorised impor ters.  
  
10. There are no requirements regarding the format of an application, but guidance on how to apply 
for a licence can be found online at Licences for the import/export of agricultural products - GOV.UK 
(www.gov.uk) . 
  
11. When the import declaration is made, a copy of the relevant import licence, in an electronic form 
or otherwise, must be presented to customs.  
 
12. There are no fees for applying for a non -quota import licence.  
  
13. Please see the answer to 14 below.  
  
Conditions of licensing  
 
14. Applications for a non -quota import licence for rice or ethyl alcohol require a security to be 
lodged. This security is returned when the obligation to import is considered to have been fulfilled. 
The relevant securities and t he period of validity are set out below.  
  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
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  Commodity 
code  Description   Amount of 
security  Period of Validity   
1006 20    Husked (brown) rice, including 
products imported under tariff rate 
quotas managed by FCFS   £26/t   until the end of the 2nd month 
following the month of the day of 
issue of the licence   
1006 30    Semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 
whether or not polished or glazed, 
including products imported under 
tariff rate quotas managed by  
FCFS   £26/t   until the end of the 2nd month 
following the month of the day of 
issue of the licence   
1006 40 00    Broken rice, including products 
imported under tariff rate quotas 
managed by FCFS   £1/t   until the end of the 2nd month 
following the month of the day of 
issue of the licence   
ex 2207 10 00    Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an 
alcoholic strength by volume o f 80% 
vol. or higher    £1 per 
hectolitre   until the end of the 4th month 
following the month of the day of 
issue of the licence   
ex 2207 20 00    Ethyl alcohol and other spirits, 
denatured, of any strength   £1 per 
hectolitre   until the end of the 4th month 
following the month of the day of 
issue of the licence   
ex 2208 90 91    Undenatured ethyl alcohol of 
alcoholic strength by volume of less 
than 80% vol   £1 per 
hectolitre   until the end of the 4th month 
following the mont h of the day of 
issue of the licence   
ex 2208 90 99    Undenatured ethyl alcohol of 
alcoholic strength by volume of less 
than 80 % vol.  £1 per 
hectolitre   until the end of the 4th month 
following the month of the day of 
issue of the licence   
ex 1207  99 20    Seeds of varieties of hemp, for 
sowing   No security 
required   until the end of the 6th month 
following the month of the day of 
issue of the licence   
1207 99 91    Hemp seeds other than for sowing   
   No security 
required   until the end of the 6th month 
following the month of the day of 
issue of the licence   
5302 10 00    True hemp, raw or retted   No security 
required    until the end of the 6th month 
following the month of the day of 
issue of the l icence   
  
15. If the licence is not used within the period of validity, then any security which has been lodged 
will be forfeited.   
  
16. Import authorisations are transferable between importers. Import licences constitute a right and 
give rise to an obligation to import under the licence during its period of validity. As a general rule, 
rights deriving from licences are transferable by the titular holder of the licence during the period of 
its validity, but obligations deriving from licences are not transferable. The original licence holder 
should apply to the Rural Payments Agency to transfer the licence. Transferees must have an EORI 
numbe r and be registered with the Rural Payments Agency.  
  
17. No other conditions are attached to the issuance of a non -quota import licence.  
  
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. No other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar ad ministrative 
procedures are required prior to importation.  
  
19. The banking authorities automatically provide foreign exchange for goods to be imported as well 
as to cover import licences. A licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exc hange.  
 
1.3  Endangered Species (CITES)  
Outline of system  
 
1. This section provides an overview of legislation regulating imports of specimens of certain 
endangered species of animals and plants, whether dead or alive and including their parts or 
derivatives. The system implements the licensing obligations of the Convention on International 
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Documentation is required for the 
import into and (re -)export from United Kingdom (UK) of endangere d species listed in Appendices  I, 
II and III of CITES and of certain non -CITES species which are covered by relevant legislation.   G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
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  Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. Based on CITES, a licensing system is in place for specified endangered species of a nimals and 
plants, which comprises a double -checking system involving export and import controls by both the 
country of export and by the UK as the country of import. Under CITES "trade" refers to all cross -
border movements including non -commercial movemen ts. The licensing system applies to all cross -
border movements of specimens of the listed species (whether dead or alive and including their 
parts and derivatives) and covers not only commercial trade but also, for example, imports or 
(re)exports for perso nal use.  
   
The species of plants and animals that are subjected to licensing are listed in Annexes A to D of 
Council Regulation (EC) No . 338/97 as it applies in Great Britain (retained EU law), and Annexes A 
to D of Council Regulation (EC) No . 338/97, wh ich applies in Northern Ireland. The Wildlife Trade 
Regulations (WTR) described in section 5 below detail different licensing requirements for the species 
listed in each Annex.  
   
Species listed in Annex A: In general, specimens of the species listed in t his Annex cannot be 
imported for primarily commercial purposes. There are limited exceptions.  
   
Species listed in Annex B, i.e., most species concerned by the WTR: transactions with commercial 
purposes involving specimens of these species listed in this Annex are possible under a number of 
strict conditions. Exemptions from this permit requirement can be granted on a case -by-case basis.  
   
Species listed in Annexes C and D need also to meet a number of documentary requirements.  
   
Prohibitions can also be put in place on the importation of certain specimens or species, either 
globally or originating from specific countries. The restrictions may be found in Commission 
Implementing Regulation (EU) No . 2019/1587 as it applies in Great Britain as retained EU  law and 
as it applies in Northern Ireland directly (see section 5 for information on the legislation).   
   
3. In the case of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), the licensing requirement applies to 
all traders and individuals importing listed sp ecimens from all countries and territories outside of 
Great Britain. In the case of Northern Ireland, the import licensing requirement applies to all traders 
and individuals importing listed specimens from all countries and territories outside of the Europ ean 
Union. Documentation is required for movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.   
   
4. The purpose of this licensing is not to restrict the quantity or value of imports. Rather, the aim is 
to protect certain species of animals and plants fr om over -exploitation through trade, in accordance 
with CITES and pursuant to relevant domestic policies on the conservation of endangered animal 
and plant species. As a Party to CITES, the UK is obliged to implement the Convention through a 
licensing syste m comprising of import and export controls.   
   
5. The licensing requirements are specified in various regulations (legislation) collectively referred 
to as the Wildlife Trade Regulations. The relevant regulations include retained EU law which applies 
in Great Britain (GB), EU law which applies to Northern  Ireland (NI), and UK domestic regulations 
which apply to both GB and NI.  
   
Retained EU Law UK(GB).  
  
The following regulations, as amended by The Environment and Wildlife (Miscellaneous Amendments 
etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (SI 2020/1395), the Tr ade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna 
and Flora (Council Regulation (EC) No. 338/97) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (SI 2021/ 054), the 
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Commission Regulation (EC) No . 865/2006) 
(Amendment) Regulations 20 20 (SI 2020/1668), the Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna 
and Flora (Council Regulation (EC) No. 338/97) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 
(SI 2021/645), and the Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Council Regulation 
(EC) No . 338/97) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (SI 2023/106), apply in relation to Great Britain:   
   
• Council Regulation (EC) No. 338/97 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by 
regulating trade therein;  
• Commission Regulation (EC) No. 865/2006 laying down detailed rules concerning the 
implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No. 338/97;   G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
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  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 792/2012 of 23 August 2012 laying down rules 
for the design of permits, certificates and other documents provided for in Council Regulation  
(EC) No. 338/97 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating the trade 
therein and amending Regulation (EC) No. 865/2006; and   
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 2019/1587 prohibiting the introduction into 
the Union of specimens of certain wild fauna and flora.  
   
The EU Wildlife Trade Regulati ons (EUWTR) will continue to apply to the UK in respect of 
Northern Ireland.  
 
EUWTR (UK(NI)):   
 
• Council Regulation (EC) No. 338/97 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by 
regulating trade therein (as last amended by Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/966);   
• Commission Regulation (EC) No. 865/2006 laying down detailed rules concerning the 
implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No . 338/97 (as last amended by Commission 
Regulation (EU) No 2021/2280);   
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU)  No. 792/2012 laying down rules for the design of 
permits, certificates and other documents provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No. 338/97 
on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating the trade therein and 
amending Regulation (EC)  No. 865/2006 (as last amended by Commission Implementing 
Regulation (EU) No. 2021/2281); and   
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 2019/1587 prohibiting the introduction into 
the Union of specimens of certain wild fauna and flora.  
   
UK domestic regulations:   
  
• The Control of Trade in Endangered Species Regulations 2018 (SI 2018/703) ; and  
• The Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Fees) Regulations 2009 (SI 2009/496).  
   
The legislation specifies the species of plants and animals that are subject to licensing. To reflect 
amendments to CITES Appendices, these legislative lists of species are updated from time to time 
by amending legislation. That is done through a legislati ve process by the UK Government, under 
scrutiny of the UK Parliament, or in the case of EU legislation through relevant EU institutional 
legislative processes. Listing of species is therefore not left to administrative discretion. It is not 
possible to abo lish the system without legislative approval.  
  
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable.  
  
7.(a)  Permits should be applied for in good time to allow for their issue prior to import. The issuance 
of a permit is not automatic, and no movement should begin prior to  obtaining a license.  
(b) No, as above.  
(c) No.  
(d) Permits and certificates are issued by the UK CITES Management Authority, the Animal and 
Plant Health Agency (APHA), on advice from the relevant Scientific Authority. The UK CITES 
management authority may in some cases need to consult the relevant CITES authorities in 
the country from which a species is being exported, and only in very limited circumstances 
the CITES Secretariat may need to be consulted.   
  
8. Applications for a license can only be ref used where there is a failure in meeting the conditions 
set out by the Wildlife Trade Regulations. The UK CITES Management Authority will inform applicants 
of the reasons for any refusal to issue a licence. There is no right of appeal, but if further infor mation 
or evidence can be provided the licensing authority may review the case or the applicant can make 
a new application.   
  
Eligibility of importers to apply for license  
 
9. Anyone can apply for a licence. There are no eligibility requirements and the re is no system of 
registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation nor list of authorised importers.  
 G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
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  Documentation and other requirements for application for license  
 
10. The standard model forms that are used for all permits, certificates, notifications and applications 
for these documents, as well as labels for scientific specimens, are contained in Implementing 
Regulation (EU) No . 792/2012 as it applies in Great Britain as retained EU law and as it applies in 
Norther n Ireland directly (see section 5 above).    
   
11. Different permits or certificates are required for trade into the UK:   
  
• an import permit for import of specimens of Annex A or B listed species;   
• an import notification for import of Annex C or D listed species, which is to be completed by 
the importer.  
   
12. Applicants must pay a fee to obtain the relevant permits or certi ficates. This fee covers the cost 
of processing the application. The amount depends on the type of permit and the specimen applied 
for. Subject to meeting certain criteria, fees can be waived for imports of endangered species for 
conservation purposes (see  UK domestic regulations listed in section 5).  
   
13. The processing fee referenced in paragraph 12.  
  
Conditions of licensing  
 
14. The maximum validity of an import permit is 12 months. An import permit is only valid when 
supported with a valid corresp onding document from the country of export or (re -)export (the 
maximum validity of those documents is six months) .  
   
15. There is no penalty for non -utilisation.  
   
16. Licenses are not transferable.  
   
17. Conditions can be attached to a license. For example, there are standard special conditions on 
import permits to ensure that live specimens are transported in line with CITES measures and 
Regulations published by the International Air Transport Association.  
  
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. There are no other administrative/procedural requirements prior to importation.  
  
19. No foreign exchange control.  
 
1.4  Harvested Timber  
Outline of system  
 
1. The FLEGT ( Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade)  licensing scheme is a voluntary 
scheme to ensure that only legally harvested timber is imported into the UK from countries with 
which the UK concludes bilateral FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs). Under the scheme 
a partner country issues FLEGT  licences for every shipment of timber products covered by the 
agreement exported to the UK. The release for free circulation in the UK of such shipments is 
conditional on the acceptance by the UK competent authority of the FLEGT licence. The competent 
authority may verify the authenticity of the FLEGT licence and its conformity with the shipment that 
it covers.  
  
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
 
2. Timber products (defined in the Agreements by HS codes) exported from FLEGT partner countries 
to the UK a re covered by a FLEGT licence issued by the licensing authority of that country. The 
FLEGT licence demonstrates that the timber products have complied with relevant legislation as set 
out in the corresponding bilateral FLEGT VPAs. Once operational, the imp lementation of the licensing 
scheme requires that imports of relevant timber products into the UK be made subject to a system 
of checks and controls so that only FLEGT licensed timber will be imported to the UK.  
   G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 11 - 
 
  Timber products to which the FLEGT licensing scheme applies irrespective of the partner country:    
  
Product Description    HS code    
Wood in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared   4403   
Railway or tramway sleepers (cross -ties) of wood   4406   
Wood sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed, sanded or 
end-jointed, of a thickness exceeding 6 mm   4407   
Sheets for veneering (including those obtained by slicing la minated wood), for plywood 
or for other similar laminated wood and other wood, sawn lengthwise, sliced or peeled, 
whether or not planed, sanded, spliced or end -jointed, of a thickness not exceeding6mm   4408   
Plywood, veneered panels and similar laminate d wood   4412   
  
Timber products to which the FLEGT licensing scheme applies only in relation to the Republic of 
Indonesia:  
  
Product description  HS Code  
Fuel wood, in logs, in billets, in twigs, in faggots or in similar forms; wood in chips or 
particles; sawdust and wood waste and scrap, whether or not agglomerated in logs, 
briquettes, pellets or similar forms.   
- Wood in chips or particles -- coniferous   
- Wood in chips or particles -- non coniferous (not from bamboo nor rattan)     
  
 
4401.21   
Ex. 4401.22   
Wood in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared. 
(Prohibited from export under the Indonesian law. In line with Article 3(3) of the VPA, 
products under this HS code may not be FLEGT licensed and therefore may not be import ed 
into the United Kingdom).  4403  
Chipwood and the like - coniferous   
Chipwood and the like - non-coniferous -- Chipwood   Ex. 4404.10   
Ex. 4404.20   
Hoopwood; split poles; piles, pickets and stakes of wood, pointed but not sawn lengthwise; 
wooden st icks, roughly trimmed, but not turned, bent or otherwise worked, suitable for the 
manufacture of walking -sticks, umbrellas, tool handles or the like. (Prohibited from export 
under the Indonesian law. In line with Article 3(3) of the VPA, products under thi s HS code 
may not be FLEGT licensed and therefore may not be imported into the United Kingdom).  Ex. 4404  
Railway or tramway sleepers (cross -ties) of wood. (Prohibited from export under the 
Indonesian law. In line with Article 3(3) of the VPA, products u nder this HS code may not 
be FLEGT licensed and therefore may not be imported into the United Kingdom).  4406  
Wood sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, planed, sanded or end -jointed, of a 
thickness exceeding 6mm.  Ex. 4407  
Wood sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, not planed, not sanded or not end 
jointed, of a thickness exceeding 6mm. (Prohibited from export under the Indonesian law. 
In line with Article 3(3) of the VPA, products under this HS code may not be FLEGT  licensed 
and therefore may not be imported into the United Kingdom).  Ex. 4407  
Sheets for veneering (including those obtained by slicing laminated wood), for plywood or 
for similar laminated wood and other wood, sawn lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whethe r or 
not planed, sanded, spliced or end -jointed, of a thickness not exceeding 6 mm Coniferous   4408.10   
Dark Red Meranti, Light Red Meranti, and Meranti Bakau   4408.31   
Other, except coniferous, Dark Red Meranti, Light Red Meranti, and Meranti Bakau   4408.39   
Other, except coniferous and tropical wood specified in Subheading Note 2 to this chapter 
(not from bamboo nor rattan)   Ex. 4408.90   
Wood (including strips and fri ezes for parquet flooring, not assembled) continuously shaped 
(tongued, grooved, rebated, chamfered, V -jointed, beaded, moulded, rounded or the like) 
along any of its edges, ends or faces, whether or not planed, sanded or end -jointed.  
- Coniferous –   
- Non-coniferous – other (not from rattan)     
  
  
4409.10   
Ex. 4409.29   
Particle board, oriented strand board (OSB) and similar board (for example, waferboard) 
of wood or other ligneous materials, whether or not agglomerated with resins or o ther 
organic binding substances.   
- Of wood -- Particle board (not from bamboo nor rattan)     
  
  
Ex. 4410.11   
- Of wood -- Oriented strand board (OSB) (not from bamboo nor rattan)   Ex. 4410.12   
Of wood -- Other (not from bamboo nor rattan)   Ex. 4410.19   
Fibreboard of wood or other ligneous materials, whether or not bonded with resins or other 
organic substances (not from bamboo nor rattan)  Ex. 4411  
Plywood, veneered panels and similar laminated wood   
- Other plywood, consisting solely of she ets of wood (other than bamboo), each ply not 
exceeding 6mm thickness: -- With at least one outer ply of tropical wood specified in 
Subheading Note 2 to this Chapter  4412.31  
- Other plywood, consisting solely of sheets of wood (other than bamboo), each ply not 
exceeding 6mm thickness:  -- Other, with at least one outer ply of non -coniferous wood  4412.32  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 12 - 
 
  Product description  HS Code  
- Other plywood, consisting solely of sheets of wood (other than bamboo ), each ply not 
exceeding 6mm thickness: -- Other  4412.39  
- Other: -- Blockboard, laminboard and battenboard (not from rattan)  Ex. 4412.94  
- Other: -- Other: --- Barecore  (wood waste glued together) (not from rattan) and --- Other 
(not from rattan)  Ex. 4412.99  
Densified wood, in blocks, plates, strips or profile shapes (not from bamboo nor rattan)  Ex. 4413  
Wooden frames for paintings, photographs, mirrors or similar objects (not from bamboo 
nor rattan)  Ex. 4414  
Packing cases, boxes, crates, drums and similar packings, of wood; cable -drums of wood; 
pallets, box pallets and other load boards, of wood; palle t collars of wood (not from bamboo 
nor rattan)  Ex. 4415  
Casks, barrels, vats, tubs and other coopers' products and parts thereof, of wood, including 
staves (not from bamboo nor rattan)  Ex. 4416  
Tools, tool bodies, tool handles, broom or brush bodies and handles, of wood; boot or shoe 
lasts and trees, of wood (not from bamboo nor rattan)  Ex. 4417  
Builders' joinery and carpentry of wood, including cellular wood panels, assembled flooring 
panels, shingles and shakes (not from bamboo nor rattan)  Ex. 4418  
Tableware and kitchenware, of wood (not from bamboo and rattan)  Ex. 4419  
Wood marquetry and inlaid wood; caskets and cases for jewellery or cutlery, and similar 
articles, of wood.  
 - Other -- Wood in the form of logs or squared logs with simple process in the surface, 
carved or finely threaded or painted, does not have signifi cant added -value and no 
significant change in shape (HS Ex. 4420.90.90.00 in Indonesia) (Prohibited from export 
under the Indonesian law. In line with Article 3(3) of the VPA, products under this HS code 
may not be FLEGT licensed and therefore may not be i mported into the United Kingdom).    
  
Ex. 4420.90  
Other articles of wood   
- Other -- Match splints (not from bamboo nor rattan) and -- Other --- Wooden paving 
blocks (not from bamboo nor rattan)    
Ex. 4421.90  
- Other -- Other --- Wood in the form of  logs or squared logs with simple process in the 
surface, carved or finely threaded or painted, does not have significant added -value and 
no significant change in shape (HS Ex. 4421.90.99.00 in Indonesia) (Prohibited from export 
under the Indonesian law. I n line with Article 3(3) of the VPA, products under this HS code 
may not be FLEGT licensed and therefore may not be imported into the United Kingdom).  Ex. 4421.90  
Chapter 47  
Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or 
paperboard: Mechanical wood pulp    4701  
Chemical wood pulp, dissolving grades  4702  
Chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, other than dissolving grades.  4703  
Chemical wood pulp, sulphite, other than dissolving grades  4704  
Wood pulp obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical pulping processes  4705  
Chapter 48  
Uncoated paper and paperboard, of a kind used for writing, printing or other graphic 
purposes, and non -perforated punch -cards and punch tape paper, in rolls or rectangular 
(including square) sheets, of any size, other than paper of heading 4801 or 4803; 
handmade paper and paperboard (not from non -wooden nor recycled material)  Ex. 4802  
Toilet or facial tissue stock, towel or napkin stock and similar paper of a kind used for 
household or sanitary purposes, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibres, whether or 
not creped, crinkled, embossed, perforated, surface -coloured, surface -decorated or 
printed, in rolls or sheets (not from non -wooden nor recycled material)  Ex. 4803  
Uncoated kraft paper and paperboard, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading 4802 
or 4803 (not from non -wooden nor recycled material)  Ex. 4804  
Other Uncoated paper and paperboard, in rolls or sheets, not further worked or processed 
than as specify in Note 3 to this chapter (not from non -wooden nor recycled material)  Ex. 4805  
Vegetable parchment, greaseproof papers, tracing papers and glassine and other glazed 
transparent or translucent papers, in rolls or sheets (not from non -wooden nor recycled 
material)  Ex. 4806  
Composite paper and paperboard (made by sticking flat layers of paper or paperboard 
together with an adhesive), not surface -coate d or impregnated, whether or not internally 
reinforced, in rolls or sheets (not from non -wooden nor recycled material)  Ex. 4807  
Paper and paperboard, corrugated (with or without glued flat surface sheets), creped, 
crinkled, embossed or perforated, in ro lls or sheets, other than paper of the kind described 
in heading 4803 (not from non -wooden nor recycled material)  Ex. 4808  
Carbon paper, self -copy paper and other copying or transfer papers (including coated or 
impregnated paper for duplicator stencils or offset plates), whether or not printed, in rolls 
or sheets (not from non -wooden nor recycled material)  Ex. 4809  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 13 - 
 
  Product description  HS Code  
Paper an d paperboard, coated on one or both sides with kaolin (China clay) or other 
inorganic substances, with or without binder, and with no other coating, whether or not 
surface -coloured, surface -decorated or printed, in rolls or rectangular (including square) 
sheets, of any size (not from non -wooden nor recycled material)  Ex. 4810  
Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibres, coated, impregnated, 
covered, surface -coloured, surface -decorated or printed, in rolls or rectangular (including 
square) sheets, of any size, other than goods of the kind described in headi ng 4803, 4809 
or 4810 (not from non -wooden nor recycled material)  Ex. 4811  
Filter blocks, slabs and plates, of paper pulp (not from non -wooden nor recycled material)  Ex. 4812  
Cigarette paper, whether or not cut to size or in the form booklets or tube s (not from 
nonwooden nor recycled material)  Ex. 4813  
Wallpaper and similar wall covering; window transparencies of paper (not from non -wooden 
nor recycled material)  Ex. 4814  
Carbon paper, self -copy paper and other copying or transfer papers (other than those of 
heading 4809), duplicator stencils and offse t plates, of paper, whether or not put up in 
boxes (not from non -wooden nor recycled material)  Ex. 4816  
Envelopes, letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards, of paper or paper 
board; boxes, pouches, wallets and writing compendiums, of paper  or paperboard, 
containing an assortment of paper stationary (not from non -wooden nor recycled material)  Ex. 4817  
Toilet paper and similar paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres, of a kind used 
for household or sanitary purposes, in rolls of a width not exceeding 36 cm, or cut to size 
or shape; handkerchief, cleansing tissues, towels, tablecloths, serviettes, napkins for 
babies, tampons, bed sheets and similar household, sanitary or hospital articles, articles of 
apparel and clothing access ories, of paper pulp, paper, cellulose wadding or webs of 
cellulose fibres (not from non -wooden nor recycled material)  Ex. 4818  
Paper or paperboard labels of all kinds, whether or not printed (not from non -wooden nor 
recycled material)  Ex. 4821  
Bobbi ns, spools, cops and similar support of paper pulp, paper or paper board whether or 
not perforated or hardened (not from non -wooden nor recycled material)  Ex. 4822  
Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs cellulose fibres, cut to size or shape; 
other articles of paper pulp, paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose 
fibres (not from non -wooden nor recycled material)  Ex. 4823  
Note: Paper p roducts originating from non -wooden or recycled material are accompanied 
by a formal letter from the Indonesian Ministry of Industry validating the use of nonwooden 
or recycled materials. Such products will not be FLEGT licensed.    
Chapter 94  
Seats (other than those of heading 94.02), whether or not convertible into beds, and parts 
thereof   
- Other seats, with wooden frames: -- Upholstered    
  
9401.61  
- Other seats, with wooden frames: -- Other  9401.69  
Other furniture and parts thereof   
- Wooden furniture of a kind used in offices    
9403.30  
- Wooden furniture of a kind used in the kitchen  9403.40  
- Wooden furniture of a kind used in the bedroom  9403.50  
- Other wooden furniture  9403.60  
- Parts: -- Other (HS 9403.90.90 in Indonesia)  Ex. 9403.90  
Prefabricated buildings   
- Other prefabricated buildings: -- Of wood (HS 9406.00.92 in Indonesia)    
Ex. 9406.00  
Chapter 97  
Original engravings, prints and lithographs.  
Wood in the form of logs or squared logs with simple process in the surface, carved or 
finely threaded or painted, does not have significant added -value and no significant change 
in shape (HS Ex. 9702.00.00.00 in Indonesia) (Prohibited from export under the Indonesian 
law. In line with Article 3(3) of the VPA, products 25 under this HS code may not be FLEGT 
licensed and therefore may not be imported into the United Kingdom).    
Ex. 9702.00  
  
Timber products pr ohibited from export under Indonesian Law:  
 
Product description  HS Code  
Chapter 44  
Wood in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared.  4403 
Hoopwood; split poles; piles, pickets and stakes of wood, pointed but not sawn lengthwise; 
wooden sticks, roughly trimmed, but not turned, bent or otherwise worked, suitable for the 
manufacture of walking -sticks, umbrellas, tool handles or the like.  Ex. 4404  
Railway or tramway sleepers (cross -ties) of wood.  4406 
Wood sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, not planed, not sanded or not 
end-jointed, of a thickness exceeding 6 mm.  Ex. 4407  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Product description  HS Code  
Wood marquetry and inlaid wood; caskets and cases for jewellery or cutlery, and similar 
articles, of wood.  
- Other -- Wood in the form  of logs or squared logs with simple process in the surface, 
carved or finely threaded or painted, does not have significant added -value and no 
significant change in shape (HS Ex. 4420.90.90.00 in Indonesia).  Ex. 4420.90  
Other articles of wood.  
- Other -- Other --- Wood in the form of logs or squared logs with simple process in the 
surface, carved or finely threaded or painted, does not have significant added -value and 
no significant change in shape (HS Ex. 4421.90.99.00 in Indonesia).  Ex. 4421.9 0 
Original engravings, prints and lithographs.  
Wood in the form of logs or squared logs with simple process in the surface, carved or 
finely threaded or painted, does not have significant added -value and no significant change 
in shape (HS Ex. 9702.00.00.0 0 in Indonesia).  Ex. 9702.00  
 
3. The FLEGT licensing scheme is to be operational between the UK and Indonesia.  
  
4. The FLEGT  licensing system has been put in place so that countries exporting to the UK can 
demonstrate  that their exports of timber products to the UK are from legal sources. The scheme 
does not impose any restrictions neither in terms of quantity nor in terms of v olumes to the imported 
goods. While the CITES Convention regulates trade in endangered species, including certain timber 
species, it does not cover the bulk of the timber trade. In the light of public concerns about imports 
of illegally harvested timber an d the negative impact on perceptions of the timber sector, a bilateral 
approach to address the issue together with interested countries, accompanied by capacity building 
measures, was considered an appropriate measure to protect the environment from illega l logging.  
 
An alternative approach could have been to rely on voluntary certification schemes; however, this 
would not provide the economies of scale or impact of a national approach and may not have 
adequately taken into account the role of producer gov ernments in ensuring compliance with their 
relevant legislation.   
  
5. The UK legal framework for the FLEGT licensing scheme is:   
  
• Council Regulation (EC) No. 2173/2005 on the establishment of a FLEGT licensing scheme for 
imports of timber into the Euro pean Community and implementing regulations;   
• Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1024/2008 of 17 October 2008 laying down detailed 
measures for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No. 2173/2005 on the 
establishment of a FLEGT licensing scheme for im ports of timber into the European 
Community;   
• The Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Regulations 2012;    
• The Timber and Timber Products and FLEGT (EU Exit) Regulations 2018;   
• The Environment and Wildlife (Legislative Functions) (EU exit) Regul ations 2019;  
• The Timber and Timber Products and FLEGT (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulation 2020.  
   
FLEGT  licensing is a statutory requirement at country level for those countries that enter into bilateral 
FLEGT VPAs. Once the parties have decided to make the scheme operational the products in scope 
are listed in an annex to the VPA and the FLEGT Regulation; the product list can be extended if both 
parties agree and the VPA is amended accordingly. The VPA provides provisions for each party to 
terminate the VPA 12 months after notification if desired.     
  
The UK also transposed Regulation (EU) No. 995/2010 of  the European Parliament and of the Council 
of 20 October 2010 laying down the obligations of operators who place timber and timber products 
on the market (OJ L 295, 12.11.2010, p. 23), also known as the EU Timber Regulation or EUTR into 
UK domestic law as  the UK timber Regulation. Valid FLEGT licenses (and CITES permits) are 
considered to automatically comply with the requirements of the UK Timber Regulation.   
    
Procedures  
 
6. The products concerned are not under restriction as to the quantity or value  of imports.  
   
7.(a) Under the VPA a FLEGT licence is issued by the partner country before a shipment is exported. 
A UK importer of such a shipment does not need to apply for an import licence from the UK 
competent authority. A UK importer shall lodge th e original FLEGT licence, as issued at the G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 15 - 
 
  time of export of the shipment from the partner country, for acceptance and verification with 
the UK competent authority (Office for Product Safety and Standards).  
   
If justified and subject to verification that  the shipment meets the relevant conditions, it is 
generally possible for a FLEGT licence to be re -issued by the partner country in case of 
unforeseen circumstances.     
   
(b) The procedures established by the partner country determine whether a license c an be granted 
immediately upon request or not.   
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
(d) As indicated above, licenses are issued by the exporting country and not by  the UK. Prior to 
export the importer should be provided with a FLEGT license which they share with UK 
Competent Authority for verification, after which HMRC clearance hub matches to relevant 
customs checks on arrival, but prior to release for free circula tion.  
   
8. The issuance of a licence is the responsibility of the partner country; the procedures in case of 
refusal are therefore subject to the partner countries' rules    
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for license  
 
9. There are no import licenses for FLEGT; only the exporting partner country, e.g., Indonesia, can 
issue a FLEGT license for export to the UK. However, the UK importer will need to pay a fee of £9.60 
to the UK Competent Authority for verification of the FLEGT licence.  
  
Documentation and other requirements for application for license  
 
10. The information required to apply for a FLEGT licence is set out in the FLEGT  VPA and is subject 
to the rules of the exporting partner country. The format of the FLEGT licence is set out in an Annex 
of each FLEGT VPA. A UK importer needs to lodge the original of the FLEGT licence to the UK 
competent authority and the relevant copy with HMRC clearance hub.  
   
11. A FLEGT licence is cross referenced to the customs declaration for release for free circulation.  
   
12. The licensing fee is £9.60.  
   
13. Not applicable as the UK does not issue the licences.  
  
Conditions of licensing  
 
14. The period of validity of FLEGT licences  from a given partner country is set out in the 
corresponding bilateral FLEGT VPA. The validity can be extended by the issuing country upon request 
if adequately justified.  
  
15. No, there is no penalty for the  non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.   
  
16. The licences are not transferable between importers. The FLEGT licence does name the importer; 
the name of the importer on the FLEGT licence can however be amended by the issuing country 
upon request if adequately justified.  
   
17. Evidence of compliance with relevant legislation, as set out in the relevant FLEGT VPA.  
  
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. No other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative 
procedures, required prior to importation. All other usual import requirements still apply.  
 
19. No foreign exchange control.  
 G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 16 - 
 
  1.5  Items made of or containing Ivory  
Outline of system  
 
1. The Ivory Act (2018) applies to the import to the UK and export from the UK of items made of or 
containing elephant ivory which are intended to be dealt. Under the Ivory Act "dealing in ivory" 
means to:  
  
• buy, sell  or hire it;  
• offer or arrange to buy, sell or hire it;  
• keep it for sale or hire;  
• export it from the UK for sale or hire;  
• import it into the UK for sale or hire.  
  
The Ivory Act (2018) is regulated by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on behalf  of the 
Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. Please see G/LIC/N/2/GBR/15  for the list of products.   
 
(i)  The Ivory  Act (2018) prohibits the impo rt and export of items made of or containing elephant 
ivory for the purposes of dealing those items, unless they fall within one of five exemptions.  
 
There are four standard exemptions which require registration under Section 10 of the Act 
(Section 10):  
  
• musical instruments made before 1975 with less than 20% ivory by volume.  
• items made before 3 March 1947 with less than 10% ivory by volume.  
• portrait miniatures made before 1918 with a surface area smaller than 320 square 
centimetres.  
• items that a qualifying museum intends to buy or hire.  
  
There is a separate exemption for which a certificate is required under Section 2 of the Act 
(Section  2) for items that are pre -1918 and of outstandingly high artistic, cultural or historical 
value.  
  
(ii)   The Ivory Act (2018) does not affect the ownership of ivory and the import to the UK or export 
from the UK of ivory items for personal use.  
  
3. The registration  and certification requirement applies to all traders and individuals dealing in ivory 
items in the UK, including importing to or exporting from the UK for the purposes of dealing.  
  
4. The purpose of the Act is to help conserve elephant popul ations, specifically by reducing poaching, 
through significantly limiting the legal market for ivory items in the UK. This is intended to reduce 
demand for ivory both within the UK and overseas through the application of the sales ban to 
reexports of ivory  items from the UK. The Act also aims to remove the opportunity to launder recently 
poached ivory as old ivory items through legal markets, and for it to be re -exported to "demand" 
markets, i.e., those markets where ivory continues to be a desirable commod ity. Such markets are 
also the primary destinations for newly poached and illegally sourced ivory. This is intended to 
prevent products from the UK contributing, including inadvertently, to markets which create a 
demand for ivory, driving poaching and the illegal trade in ivory. Finally, the ivory ban will 
demonstrate the UK does not consider commercial activities in any ivory that could fuel poaching to 
be acceptable and it sends a message that similar actions should be taken globally.  
  
5. The Act receiv ed Royal Assent on 20 December 2018. It is a statutory requirement for a person 
to obtain the relevant exemption registration or certification before they deal in an item made of or 
containing elephant ivory. It is an offence to breach the prohibition, to cause the prohibition to be 
breached, or to facilitate a breach of the prohibition. A person who commits an offence under the 
Act may face a civil sanction or criminal prosecution. The only method of removing the requirement 
would be for Parliament to repe al the Act.  
  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 17 - 
 
  The Ivory Act 2018 (Commencement No. 2 and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2022 : 
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2018/30/contents/enacted .  
 
There are two additional Statutory Instruments that accompany the Ivory Act:   
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2022/94/contents/made ;  - and 
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2022/311/contents/made . 
 
The Act applies globally to all imports to the UK of ivory items that are intended to be dealt.  
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable.  
  
7.(a)  Before an ivory item can be dealt (as defined in 1 above) the person must either have a valid 
registration number for the item or an exemption certificate. Items that are checked at the 
border and that do not have either of these will be seized. The registration documentation or 
exemption certificate are not required to be transported with the item. However, the 
registration number or exemption certificate reference may be required for CITES paperwork 
and customs fo rms. Customs officers can check whether items have the required exemption 
by contacting APHA.  
  
(b) (i) Registrations  under a standard exemption (Section 10) are instantaneous. The applicant 
applies online and makes a self -declaration that the item is compliant. After making 
their declaration they are issued (emailed) immediately with the registration number.   
 
 (ii)   Applying for an exemption certificate to import a pre -1918 outstandingly high artistic, 
cultural or historical value item (Section 2) can take around 35 working days. This is 
because the item must be considered by a Prescribed Institution who will provide an 
opinion as to whether the item meets the criteria for the exemption. APHA will then 
decide whether or not to issue an exemption certificate.  
  
(c) Applications  for a registration or exemption certificate can be made at any time.  
 
(d) Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)  
 
8. Registrations that are checked and found to be non -compliant are cancelled by APHA and the item 
cannot  be dealt.  
  
For Section 2 items, the reasons for a refusal to issue an exemption certificate are given to the 
applicant. Applic ants have the right to appeal the decision to the First -tier Tribunal under The 
Tribunal Procedure (First -tier Tribunal) (General Regulatory Chamber) Rules (2009) (SI2009/1976).  
 
Eligibility of Importers to apply for licence  
 
9. Registrations that are che cked and found to be non -compliant are cancelled by APHA and the item 
cannot  be dealt.  
  
For Section 2 items, the reasons for a refusal to issue an exemption certificate are given to the 
applicant. Applicants have the right to appeal the decision to the First -tier Tribunal under The 
Tribunal Procedure (First -tier Tribunal) (General Regulatory Chamber) Rules (2009) (SI2009/1976).  
  
Documentation and other requirements for licence applications  
 
10.(i) For registrations under Section 10, the applicant must:  
  
• Add up to six photos of the item. They must include a photo of the whole item and any 
distinguishing features, including where the ivory is.  
• Describe the item and how it meets the exemption criteria.  
• Provide contact details.  
• Declare that the item in their opinion meets the relevant exemption criteria.  
• Pay an administration fee of £20.  
  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 18 - 
 
  (ii)  When applying for an exemption certificate under Section 2, the applicant must:  
  
• Explain their reasons why the item meets the exemption criteria.  
• Include supporting documents that show an item’s artistic, cultural or historic value.  
• Provide clea r photographs of the item that shows any distinguishing features.  
• Provide contact details.  
• Pay an administration fee of £250.  
 
Registrations/applications for exemption certificates are typically carried out using an online service. 
However, for accessib ility purposes there are paper forms (attached) for registrations under Section 
10 and applications under Section 2.  
  
11. Before ivory items can be legally dealt a valid registration number or exemption certificate must 
have been issued for the item. The  registration documentation or exemption certificate are not 
required to be transported with the item. However, the registration number or exemption certificate 
reference may be required for CITES paperwork and customs forms.   
 
12. £20 to register an individual item under Section 10. £50 for a group registration under Section 
10. This is for groups of 3 to 20 items that each individually meet the same exemption and form 
part of the same transaction (being sold or hired out to the  same person). £250 to apply for an 
exemption certificate under Section 2.  
  
No, the payment is made at the time of the application. It is non -refundable.  
  
Conditions of registration or certification  
 
13. Each time an item registered under Section 10 i s sold or hired out, the owner or applicant will 
need to make a new registration and pay the registration fee. Items registered under Section 10 are 
exempt for one transaction. If the new owner wishes to deal the item, they must make a new 
application to r egister that item.  
  
14. Exemption certificates under Section 2 exist in perpetuity provided that the item continues to 
meet the condition of the exemption.  
  
15. There is no penalty for non -utilisation of a registration or exemption certificate.  
  
16.(i) For items registered under Section 10, the registration does not transfer from one owner to 
the next.  
  
(ii)  An exemption certificate is issued for an item and is transferred to a new owner each time the 
item is dealt. The new owner must notify APHA o f their contact details if their intention is to 
deal in the item. The new owner must:  
  
• provide their contact details (including email address, if any);  
• if the applicant is not the owner, the applicant must provide the name and address of 
the owner;  
• confirm whether the item is going to be sold or hired (where this is known);  
• declare that the exemption certificate relates to the item that is going to be sold or 
hired.  
• declare that the information on the exemption certificate remains accurate and 
complete.  
• declare that the item continues to satisfy the conditions of being of o utstandingly high 
artistic, cultural or historical value;  
• pay a £20 administration fee.  
  
17. N/A  
  
Other Procedural Requirements  
 
18. Under the Ivory Act 2018 there are no other administrative/procedural requirements prior to 
importation .  
 G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 19 - 
 
  19. No for eign exchange control.  
 
1.6  Waste shipment  
Outline of system  
 
1. This section provides a description of the UK waste shipment notification scheme as established 
by the UK rules and procedures for the transboundary shipments of waste.     
   
The import of waste into the UK is for wastes controlled under a licensing system administered by 
the UK competent authorities. Its requirements are tied in with those of the Basel Convention on the 
Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes an d their Disposal, and an OECD decision 
on transboundary movements of waste for recovery.  
  
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. In accordance  with the UK's obligations under the Basel convention and the Organisation for 
Economic Co -operation and Development (OECD), the regulation applies to all shipments of waste 
to, from or transiting through the UK.   
   
3. The licensing system implements the  UK's legal obligations as a Party to the Basel Convention 
and as a member of the OECD. It applies to all waste shipments to, from or transiting the United 
Kingdom.  
   
4. The notification system ensures that the UK's commitments as a party to the Basel Co nvention 
and a member of the OECD are upheld. To that effect, transboundary movements of hazardous 
wastes and other wastes are to be reduced to the minimum, consistent with the environmentally 
sound and efficient management of such wastes and to be conduct ed in a manner that will protect 
human health and the environment against the adverse effects which may result from such 
movement. The UK procedures applicable for the shipment of hazardous wastes are not intended to 
restrict the quantity or value of impor ts.  
   
5. The UK's legal framework for this scheme is the retained Regulation (EC) No. 1013/2006 of the 
European Parliament and of the Council on shipments of waste as amended by the International 
Waste Shipments (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, Th e International Waste Shipments 
(Amendment of Regulation (EC) No. 1013/2006) Regulations 2020, The International Waste 
Shipments (Amendment of Regulation (EC) Nos. 1013/2006 and 1418/2007) Regulations 2021.  
   
These regulations can be viewed at the follow ing address:    
  
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2019/590/made ;  
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/1455/made ; and 
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/785/made .   
   
Licensing is a statutory requirement for the import of any hazardous waste listed in schedules to the 
Basel Convention or OECD Council Decisions.  
   
As a result of the Windsor Framework, Regulation (EC) No. 101 3/2006 of the European Parliament 
and of the Council on shipments of waste continues to be directly applicable in Northern Ireland.  
  
Procedures  
 
6. The wastes  concerned are not under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports. Exports of 
waste f or disposal are subject to a general prohibition, this is to implement a government policy to 
support self -sufficiency in the disposal of wastes.  
   
7.(a)  License applications should be lodged in advance of the importation to allow for sufficient time 
for the competent  authorities to produce a response. Deadlines to be respected are laid down 
in the UK legislation. Within these time constraints still, the pr ocessing time for a notification 
varies from case to case, depending primarily on the time taken by the competent authorities 
of the exporting economies concerned to provide feedback for the application, and on whether 
the application form is duly complete d and lodged with all the required supporting documents.   G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 20 - 
 
  (b) Licenses are issued only after the consent by the competent authorities of the economies 
involved with a requirement under the UK regulations for determination of the justification for 
import a nd the fitness of the processing organisation to treat the material in an 
environmentally sound manner.  
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which a license application may be 
made.  
(d) For notifiable shipments of waste, the s ubmission of a license application is made by the 
notifier to the competent authorities of the country of dispatch and prior consent for the 
shipment needs to be obtained from the competent authorities of all countries concerned 
(dispatch, transit and dest ination). The competent authorities in the UK are:   
   
- In England, the Environment Agency;  
- In Wales, Natural Resources Wales;  
- In Scotland, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency;  
- In Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.  
   
8. Apart from statutory requirements, there are requirements under the Basel Convention for all 
States of Transit to control the trans -boundary movement of hazardous waste. Refusal to accept  the 
movement by any such state shall cause the State of export to deny a license. The reasons for 
objections to shipments for disposal and recovery are set out in the UK Plan for Waste Shipments 
and Articles 11 and 12 of retained Regulation (EC) No. 1013/ 2006 of the European Parliament and 
of the Council on shipments of waste.    
  
Eligibility of importers to apply for license.  
 
9. Any natural or legal person, firm or institution may apply for a license. Fees to process license 
applications are charged by  the competent authorities, the level of fee is determined by the planned 
number of shipments. There is no published list of licensed importers or exporters as licenses are 
granted for an individual shipment rather that a blanket license to import or expor t waste.    
   
There must be a contract in place between the exporter and importer before the waste is shipped.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for application for license  
 
10. In accordance with Article 4 of retained Regulation (EC) No. 1013/2006 o f the European 
Parliament and of the Council on shipments of waste, the application shall be effected by means of 
the notification document set out in Annex IA and the movement document set out in Annex IB of 
the Regulations. Together with Annex IA and IB,  the notifier shall also supply the information listed 
in Annex II, Part 1 and Part 2 of the Regulation, respectively. Competent authorities may require 
additional information and documentation as listed in Annex II, Part 3 of the Regulation.   
   
11. A copy of the approved notification and waste movement form.  
   
12. Detailed information on fees is available on GOV.UK at 
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/waste -miscellaneous -charging -scheme -2019.      
   
13. A financial guarantee, or equivalent  insurance, shall be established by the notifier or by another 
natural or legal person on its behalf and shall be effective at the time of the notification or, if the 
competent authority which approves the financial guarantee or equivalent insurance so all ows, when 
the shipment starts, and shall apply to the notified shipment at the latest when the shipment ends. 
This financial guarantee or equivalent insurance shall cover: (a) costs of transport; (b) costs of 
recovery or disposal, including any necessary i nterim operation; and (c) costs of storage for 90 days 
pursuant to Article 6 of The International Waste Shipments (Amendment) (EU Exit) 
Regulations 2019.  
  
Conditions of licensing  
 
14. Under the UK legislation the import license is valid for a period of up to 12 months, with the 
possibility of an extension up to 36 months (in certain circumstances) and covers the amount and 
number of shipments of the waste as noted in the application.  
   
15. No penalty for non -utilization.  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 21 - 
 
  16. Licences are not transferable  between importers.  
   
17. All applications must identify the maximum amount of the waste that is intended to be covered 
by the licence. This limit cannot be exceeded. In addition, th e applicant is provided with specific 
conditions that form part of the license that usually relate specifically to the transport, treatment 
and/or disposal of the waste.  
  
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. None.  
 
19. No foreign exchange control.  
 
1.7  Ozon e-depleting substances  
Outline of system  
 
1. The import of ozone -depleting substances (ODS) is subject to licensing. In the context of the 
Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on the substances 
that deplete th e ozone layer, the Environment Agency issues ODS licences for imports into Great 
Britain based on applications submitted via the ODS quota, licensing and reporting system. Imports 
(as well as exports) of controlled substances, referred to hereby as ODS and  products and equipment 
containing or relying on ODS are prohibited. However, there are exemptions to this prohibition. 
Below, the responses to the questionnaire focus on the procedures in place for the importation of 
controlled substances.  
   
EU law is d irectly applicable in Northern Ireland under the Agreement on the Withdrawal of the 
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European 
Atomic Energy Community, signed in London and Brussels on 24 January 2020, whi ch includes the 
Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. Therefore, the European Commission issue ODS import and 
export licences on behalf of Northern Ireland. For further information on how to apply for ODS 
licences for Northern Ireland, please refer to the questionnaire on import licensing procedures for 
the European Union.  
  
Licensing System:   
  
A licence is required in case of import or export of ODS. Licences are issued by the Environment 
Agency through the use of webforms hosted on the UK Government website : Ozone -depleting 
substances: guidance for users, producers and traders - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) . An undertaking 
applies for the licence using a webform, the Environment Agency process their appli cations and 
issues a licence via email. A licence is required for the import or export of the substance itself, a 
mixture containing ODS and a product or equipment containing or relying on ODS.   
   
The rules on the import of controlled substances or of pr oducts and equipment containing or relying 
on controlled substances, including licensing, are outlined in Article 15 of Regulation (EC) 
No. 1005/2009 as it applies in Great Britain as retained EU law, and as it applies in Northern Ireland 
directly. Annex I  of the Regulation outlines the controlled substances subject to licensing, and Annex 
II are those that are exempt from licensing.  
   
The licensing requirement does not apply in rare cases when the ODS goods are imported for no 
longer than 45 days and are  not presented for release for free circulation, destroyed or processed 
before subsequent re -export. Four customs procedures are exempted from the licensing requirement 
under the 45 -day re -export rule.  
  
The customs procedures exempted under the 45 -day re -export rule are:   
  
• Transit;  
• Temporary storage;  
• Customs warehousing;  
• Free zone procedure.  
  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 22 - 
 
  The European Commission allocate ODS licences for Northern Ireland. For further information on 
how to apply for ODS licences for Northern Ireland, please refe r to the questionnaire on import 
licensing procedures for the European Union.  
  
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. The following goods are covered by the ODS licensing system:  
 
Substances (ODS)  CN/TARIFF code  
CFC-11   2903 77 60   
CFC-12   2903 77 60   
CFC-113   2903 77 60   
CFC-113a   2903 77 60 10   
CFC-114   2903 77 60   
CFC-115   2903 77 60   
CFC-13   2903 77 90 60   
CFC-111   2903 77 90 15   
CFC-112   2903 77 90 20   
CFC-211   2903 77 90 25   
CFC-212   2903 77 90 30   
CFC-213   2903 77 90 35   
CFC-214   2903 77 90 40   
CFC-215   2903 77 90 45   
CFC-216   2903 77 90 50   
CFC-217   2903 77 90 55   
Halon -1211   2903 76 10    
Halon -1301   2903 76 20    
Halon -2402   2903 76 90    
Carbon tetrachloride   2903 14 00    
1,1,1 -trichloroethane   2903 19 00 10   
Methyl bromide   2903 39 11    
HBFC -21 B2   2903 79 30   
HBFC -22 B1   2903 79 30   
HBFC -31 B1   2903 79 30   
HBFC -121 B4   2903 79 30   
HBFC -122 B3   2903 79 30   
HBFC -123 B2   2903 79 30   
HBFC -124 B1   2903 79 30   
HBFC -131 B3   2903 79 30   
HBFC -132 B2   2903 79 30   
HBFC -133 B1   2903 79 30   
HBFC -133a B1   2903 79 30   
HBFC -141 B2   2903 79 30   
HBFC -142 B1   2903 79 30   
HBFC -151 B1   2903 79 30   
HBFC -221 B6   2903 79 30   
HBFC -222 B5   2903 79 30   
HBFC -223 B4   2903 79 30   
HBFC -224 B3   2903 79 30   
HBFC -225 B2   2903 79 30   
HBFC -226 B1   2903 79 30   
HBFC -231 B5   2903 79 30   
HBFC -232 B4   2903 79 30   
HBFC -233 B3   2903 79 30   
HBFC -234 B2   2903 79 30   
HBFC -235 B1   2903 79 30   
HBFC -241 B4   2903 79 30   
HBFC -242 B3   2903 79 30   
HBFC -243 B2   2903 79 30   
HBFC -244 B1   2903 79 30   
HBFC -251 B1   2903 79 30   
HBFC -252 B2   2903 79 30   
HBFC -253 B1 (CAS: 421 -46-5)   2903 79 30   
HBFC -253 B1 (CAS: 460 -32-2)   2903 79 30   G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 23 - 
 
  Substances (ODS)  CN/TARIFF code  
HBFC -261 B2   2903 79 30   
HBFC -262 B1   2903 79 30   
HBFC -271 B1   2903 79 30   
HCFC -21   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -22   2903 71 00    
HCFC -31   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -121   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -121a   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -122   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -123   2903 72 00    
HCFC -123a   2903 72 00    
HCFC -124   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -124a   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -131   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -132   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -133   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -133a   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -141   2903 73 00    
HCFC -141b   2903 73 00    
HCFC -142   2903 74 00    
HCFC -142b   2903 74 00    
HCFC -151   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -221   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -222   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -223   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -224   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -225   2903 75 00    
HCFC -225ca   2903 75 00    
HCFC -225cb   2903 75 00    
Other perhalogenated  derivatives (CAS: 75 -61-6)   2903 78 00   
HCFC -226   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -231   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -232   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -233   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -234   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -235   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -241   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -242   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -243   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -244   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -251   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -252   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -253   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -261   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -262   2903 79 30 90   
HCFC -271   2903 79 30 90   
Bromochloromethane   2903 79 30 20   
  
 Mixtures of substances containing ODS    CN /TARIFF code    
Deuterium and compounds thereof; ...; mixtures and solutions containing 
these products    2845 90 10    
Isotopes other than those of heading 2844; ...other, other   2845 90 90 90   
Preparations and charges for fire -extinguishers … for use in certain types 
of aircraft    3813 00 00    
Preparations and charges for fire -extinguishers … other   3813 00 00    
Diagnostic or laboratory reagents ...; certified reference materials   3822 00  00    
Mixtures containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), whether or not 
containing (HCFCs), (PFCs) or (HFCs)   3824 71 00    
Mixtures containing bromochlorodifluoromethane, 
bromotrifluoromethane or dibromotetrafluoroethanes (Halons)   3824 72 00    
Mixtures containing hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs)   3824 73 00    
Mixtures containing hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), ..., but not 
containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)   3824 74 00    G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 24 - 
 
   Mixtures of substances containing ODS    CN /TARIFF code    
Mixtures containing carbon tetrachloride   3824 75 00    
Mixtures containing 1,1,1 -trichloroethane (methyl chloroform)   3824 76 00    
Mixtures containing bromomethane (methyl bromide) or 
bromochloromethane   3824 77 00    
  
Description    CN/TARIFF code    
Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, anti -sprouting products 
and plant -growth regulators, disinfectants and similar pr oducts, put up in 
forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles (for 
example, sulphur -treated bands, wicks and candles, and fly - papers) – 
unlikely to contain ODS but may contain methyl bromide     3808 91 90   
Rodenticides – may contain methyl bromide   3808 99 10   
Rodenticides – may contain methyl bromide   3808 99 90   
  
 Products & equipment that may contain or rely on ODS   CN/TARIFF code    
Medicaments (excluding goods of heading 3002, 3005 or 3006) 
consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic 
uses, put up in measured doses (including those in the form of 
transdermal administration systems) or in forms or packings f or retail 
sale:   
- Containing hormones or other products of heading 2937 but not 
containing antibiotics:   
-- Containing corticosteroid hormones, their derivatives or structural 
analogues   3004 32 00   
- Other    3004 90 00   
Paints and varnishes   All codes under:   
3208, 3209, 3210   
Pigments (including metallic powders and flakes) dispersed in non -
aqueous media, in liquid or paste form, of a kind used in the manufacture 
of paints (including enamels); stamping foils; dyes and other colouring 
matter put up in forms or packings for retai l sale:  - other   3212 90 00   
Lubricating preparations (including cutting -oil preparations, bolt or nut 
release preparations, anti -rust or anti - corrosion preparations and 
mould - release preparations, based on lubricants) and preparations of a 
kind used  for the oil or grease treatment of textile materials, leather, 
furskins or other materials, but excluding preparations containing, as 
basic constituents, 70 % or more by weight of petroleum oils or of oils 
obtained from bituminous minerals:   
- Containing  petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals:   
-- Preparations for the treatment of textile materials, leather, furskins or 
other materials   3403 11 00   
- Other   
-- Preparations for the treatment of textile materials, leather, furskins or 
other materials   3403 91 00   
Organic composite solvents and thinners, not elsewhere specified or 
included; prepared paint or varnish removers:   3814 00 90   
Fireproofing, wat erproofing and similar protective preparations used in 
the building industry   3824 90 70   
Municipal waste   3825 10 00   
Residual products of the chemical or allied industries, not elsewhere 
specified or included; municipal waste; sewage sludge; other wastes 
specified in note 6 to this chapter:   
- Waste organic solvents   
- Halogenated   3825 41 00   
 
Products & equipment that may contain or rely on ODS   CN/TARIFF code    
Other plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of plastics:   
- Cellular   
-- Of polymers of styrene   3921 11 00   
-- Of polymers of vinyl chloride   3921 12 00   
-- Of polyurethane   
--- Flexible   3921 13 10   
-- Of polyurethane   
--- Other   3921 13 90   
-- Of regenerated cellulose   3921 14 00   
-- Of other plastics   3921 19 00   G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 25 - 
 
  Products & equipment that may contain or rely on ODS   CN/TARIFF code    
Air-conditioning machines comprising a motor -driven fan and elements 
for changing the temperature and humidity, including those machines in 
which the humidity cannot be separately regulated    All codes under: 8415   
Refrigerators, freezers and other refrigerating or freezing equipment, 
electric or other; heat pumps other than air -conditioning machines of 
heading 8415   All codes under: 8418   
Machinery for liquefying air or other gases   8419 60 00   
Mechanical appl iances... - Fire extinguishers, whether or not charged - for 
use in civil aircraft   8424 10 00    
Mechanical appliances... - Fire extinguishers, whether or not charged – 
other   8424 10 00    
Mechanical appliances ... fire extinguishers... - Parts   8424 90 80    
Dry cleaning machines   8451 10 00   
Tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, motorised, whether or not 
fitted with weapons, and parts of such vehicles   8710 00 00    
Automatic goods -vending machines   
- Automatic beverage -vending machines   
-- Incorporating heating or refrigerating devices   8476 21 00   
- Other machines   
-- Incorporating heating or refrigerating devices   8476 81 00   
- Parts   8476 90 00   
Machinery for working rubber or plastics or for the manufacture of 
products from these materials, not specified or included elsewhere in 
this chapter:   
- Other machinery   
-- Machines for the manufacture of foam products   
--- Machines for processing reac tive resins   8477 80 11   
--- other   8477 80 19   
Locomotives, passenger coaches, service vehicles, or goods vans and 
wagons of all kinds   All codes under:   
8601, 8602, 8603, 8604, 8605, 
8606, 8607   
Containers (including containers for the transport of fluids) specially 
designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport - 
Other   8609 00 90   
Tractors, motor vehicles, motor cars   All codes under:   
8701, 8702, 8703, 8704, 8705   
Parts and accessories of the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705   All codes under: 8708   
Works trucks   All codes under: 8709   
Trailers and semi -trailers   All codes under: 8716   
Other aircraft... helicopters... of an unladen weight not exceeding 
2,000  kg   8802 11 00    
Other aircraft... helicopters... of an unladen weight exceeding 2,000 kg   8802 12 00    
Other aircraft... aeroplanes... of an unladen weight not exceeding 
2,000  kg   8802 20 00    
Other aircraft... aeroplanes... of an  unladen weight exceeding 2,000 kg 
but not exceeding 15,000 kg   8802 30 00    
Other aircraft... aeroplanes of an unladen weight exceeding 15,000 kg   8802 40 00    
Cruise ships, excursion boats and similar vessels principally designed for 
the transport of persons; ferryboats of all kinds - seagoing   8901 10 10    
Refrigerated vessels other than those of 8901 20 – seagoing   8901 30 10    
Fishing vessels; factory ships and other vessels for ... fishery products - 
seagoing   8902 00 10    
Yachts and other vessels for pleasure or sports; rowing boats and 
canoes, other than inflatable   8903 91 00   
Motorboats, other than outboard motorboats    8903 92 00   
Tugs and pusher craft   8904 00 00   
Floating or submersible drilling or production platforms   8905 20 00    
Warships   8906 10 00    
Component parts of complete industrial plant in the framework of 
external trade (Commission Regulation EC No. 113/2010 of 
9 February  2010)   9880 00   
  
3. Country restrictions: The restriction under Article 20 (1) of Regulation (EC) No. 1005/2009 
prohibits the import or export of ODS and of products and equipment containing or relying on ODS 
from any country not party to the Montreal Protocol.    
   G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 26 - 
 
  4. In accordance with Article 16 of Regulation (EC) No. 1005/2009 (the ODS Regulation), OD S 
licences restrict the quantity and type of ODS that can be imported. Although import for activities 
outlined in Article 15(2) are allowed under the condition of a licence, this may be overruled by 
Article  20(1) prohibiting the import of controlled substa nces and of products and equipment 
containing or relying on controlled substances from any State not party to the Montreal Protocol.    
   
ODS import/export licensing is required to comply with Article 4B of the Montreal Protocol on 
Substances that Deplete  the Ozone Layer. Therefore, alternatives to import/export licensing have 
not been considered. A legislative review is underway, which may look at how the licensing system 
works in case improvements can be made. The ODS licensing system in Great Britain is  operated 
under retained EU law, meaning the review will be the first opportunity by the UK to consider any 
changes.    
   
5. Regulation (EC) No. 1005/2009 as it applies in Great Britain as retained EU law, and as it applies 
in Northern Ireland directly.    
   
- Regulation (EC) No  1005/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16  September 
2009 on substances that deplete the ozone layer (recast) (Text with EEA relevance) 
(legisl ation.gov.uk)  
- The Ozone -Depleting Substances and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (Amendment etc.) (EU 
Exit) Regulations 2019    
- The Ozone -Depleting Substances and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (Amendment etc.) (EU 
Exit) Regulations 2020    
  
Procedures  
 
6. The following responses relate to ODS import and export licensing in Great Britain. For further 
information on how to apply for ODS licences in Northern Ireland, refer to the questionnaire on 
import licensing procedures for the European Union.  
   
An im porter must hold quota for the import of the ODS in the case of some imports.  
   
In accordance with Article 16 of the ODS Regulation, imports for the following uses require quota:   
  
• Essential laboratory and analytical uses;   
• Feedstock uses;  
• Process ag ent uses.  
   
Importers must apply for the quantity of ODS they want to import and declare what they will use it 
for. A licence is granted if the quantity and use is permitted by ODS Regulation.    
   
I. During the year (usually around June) the Environment A gency publishes a notice on Applying 
for quota to import or produce ozone -depleting substances - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)  about the 
quota procedure for the following year. The notice informs about the relevant details of the 
quota application process for the following year including the deadline for applying for quota. 
Registered entities, as well as trade bodies and as sociations are also informed via email when 
the quota window is opened and the relevant timescales. Importers and producers request 
quota for the period from 1 January to 31 December of the following year. The Environment 
Agency does not publish a list of GB ODS Quota holders. The rules relating to ODS are available 
at Ozone -depleting substances: guidance for users, producers and trade rs - GOV.UK 
(www.gov.uk) .   
   
II. Quota is determined on a ye arly basis. The Environment Agency issue ODS licences with a 
validity period of 28 days. If an import/export falls outside the validity period, the organisation 
must apply for a new licence. Quota is allocated annually for the next calendar year.    
   
III. The unused quota is not added to the next quota period. The Environment Agency notifies 
importers of the quantity and substance type of the ODS and the specific use for which the 
import has been applied for and authorised for the following year. The list of i mporters is 
provided to HMRC and to DEFRA on request. The Environment Agency works closely with 
customs and borders to track imports/exports to ensure there is sufficient quota for 
import/export.  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 27 - 
 
     
IV. There is a two -month window where companies can apply for quota, however companies that 
are not registered on the ODS Quota, Licensing and Reporting System have one month to 
register from the opening of the quota window in order to apply for a licence and quota. 
Further information is published on Ozone -depleting substances: guidance for users, 
producers and traders - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) . Applications for licences can be made all year 
long. The Environment Agency must take a decision whether or not to issue a licence no later 
than 30 days after having received a complete application. In urgent cases the  Environment 
Agency endeavours to process the licences upon request.  
   
V. Applications for ODS licences are processed within a maximum 30 days. The Environment 
Agency will aim to process most applications between five -ten days. There is no statutory 
length for processing applications for quota. In practice, we aim to notify undertakings by the 
end of October what their quota will be for the following year.  
   
VI. Exports cannot be undertaken until a licence has been granted. Undertakings should allow for 
a mini mum of 30 days between applying for a licence and the period of importation opening.  
   
VII. Licence applications on behalf of Great Britain are considered by a single administrative 
organisation, the Environment Agency.  
   
VIII.  The decision on how much quota an i mporter or producer receives is made in accordance with 
the quota allocation procedure for imports, which require quota as set out in article 16 of 
Regulation (EC) No. 1005/2009. The Environment Agency, Climate Change Trading and 
Regulatory Services ensure  that total GB ODS quota and therefore organisations' GB quota 
does not exceed the limits imposed by the ODS Regulation for end uses that are subject to 
quantitative limits.  
   
IX. No licences are issued automatically.  
   
X. Not applicable.  
   
XI. Not applicable   
   
7. (a)-(d) Not applicable.  
   
8. The reason for rejection is always provided by the Environment Agency via email and it is the 
failure to meet ordinary criteria. An application for a licence is rejected where the organisation does 
not hold quota, hold s insufficient quota, does not hold quota for a substance/has not declared a need 
for this substance. A licence will also be rejected if the substance import/export is not in accordance 
with ODS regulations, i.e., a licensable import/export.    
  
Eligibili ty of importers to apply for licence  
 
9. Any undertaking which is defined as a natural or legal person can register on the ODS Quota, 
Licensing and Reporting System and after verification apply for ODS licences free of charge. The list 
of importers is not published. There is no obligation/requ irement to publish the list.  
  
Documentation and other requirements for application for license  
 
10. The general content of a licence form is the following:   
  
• Consignee;   
• Country of destination;   
• Consignor/ Exporter;   
• Country of export;    
• Customs of entry;   
• Customs of import;   
• Customs procedure;   
• Commercial description;   
• Substance name;   
• Use;   G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 28 - 
 
  • CN code;   
• CAS-number;   
• GROSS mass;   
• NET mass;   
• Number of units;  
• Nature of substance.  
   
11. No documents required.  
   
12. There is no fee or charge.  
   
13. There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of licences.  
  
Conditions of licensing  
 
14. Most import licences have a maximum validity of 28 days (seven days before and 21 days after 
the estimated date of import). In cases where this validity period exceeds the licensing year (before 
1 January and after 31 December), the validity period is cut accordingly. The validity of the licence 
is also cut when the date of issue is less than seven days before the estimated date of import or if 
the licence is issued after that date.  
   
Different rules apply to the validity period for the import licences fo r fire extinguishers containing 
halon for use on aircrafts. Such licence is valid from the day it is issued until the end of the calendar 
year for which it was issued. In cases where the application proceeds the licensing year (i.e., it is 
issued before 1 January), the validity period starts 1 January the following year.   
   
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.   
   
16. Licences are not transferable between importers.  
   
17. Importers of ODS for laborator y and analytical uses may need to make a LABODS declaration to 
the Environment Agency (for Great Britain) or the European Commission (for Northern Ireland) and 
hold a valid LABODs number if they are importing ODS with the intent to supply to other labs.  
  
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. No foreign exchange control.  
 
1.8  Fluorinated gases including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)  
Outline of system  
 
1. HFCs are, together with perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), a fluorinated 
greenhouse gas (F -gas). F -gases are powerful greenhouse gases, with a global warming effect up 
to 23,000 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2). HFCs are the most relevant F -gases from a 
climate perspective. As a signatory of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the UK is 
committed to reduce our consumption of HFCs and to licence and report on them annually. Reducing 
emissions from F -gases is a part o f UK's effort to implement the Paris Agreement under the United 
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions 
by 2050. Companies must have a prior valid licence registration to import and export F -gases. 
Furth er, for import of bulk HFCs it is a requirement that the quantity of HFCs placed on the market 
(e.g., import released for free circulation) are covered by quota on an annual basis. Importers and 
exporters of HFCs to and from Great Britain must register wit h the Environment Agency in the Great 
Britain quota system. Importers and exporters to and from Northern Ireland must register with the 
European Commission in the European Union quota system.  
   
In addition, importers placing on the market refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment 
charged with HFCs must also be registered and the quantities of HFCs must be accounted for within 
the quota system at the time of import. This must be documented, and a declaration of conformity 
must be drawn up in this respect.  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 29 - 
 
  Also, the placing on the market of certain products and equipment containing F -gases with a certain 
global warming potential are prohibited and the placing on the market of non -refillable containers of 
fluorinated gases is forbidden. Equipment, products, a nd containers with F -gases must be labelled 
appropriately. F -gases and HFC guidance is available at Fluorinated gas (F gas): guidance for  users, 
producers and traders - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .   
  
The re plies below focus on the procedures in place for import of bulk HFCs and HFCs imported in 
refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment pre -charged with HFCs. Under the Northern 
Ireland Protocol, EU Regulation No. 517/2014 on Fluorinated greenhou se gases is directly applicable 
in Northern Ireland. For further information on the procedures in place in Northern Ireland, please 
refer to the questionnaire on import licensing procedures for the European Union, Fluorinated gases 
including hydrofluorocar bons (HFCs).   
   
The F -gas registration, quota and reporting service implements the requirements related to HFCs 
under the Montreal Protocol on the substances that deplete the ozone layer, and in particular its 
Kigali Amendment that added HFCs to the list of controlled substances and agreed to a global 
phasedown of production and consumption of HFCs and required the implementation of a licensing 
system for import and export of HFCs.   
  
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
 
2. The following HFC's are listed i n Annex I, Section 1, of the F -gas Regulation (Bulk Gases):   
  
Substances (HFCs)  CN/TARIFF code  
difluoromethane (HFC -32)  2903420000  
Trifluoromethane (HFC -23)  2903410000  
pentafluoroethane (HFC -125)  2903440010  
1,1,1 -trifluoroethane (HFC -143a)  2903440020  
1,1-difluoroethane (HFC -152a)  2903430030  
1,1,1,2 -tetrafluoroethane  2903450000  
Other  2903450010  
1,1,1,3,3 -Pentafluoropropane (HFC -245fa)  2903470020  
1,1,2,2,3 -pentafluoropropane (HFC -245ca)  2903470000  
1,1,1,2,3,3,3 -heptafluoropropane (HFC -227ea)  2903460010  
1,1,1,2,2,3 -hexafluoropropane (HFC -236cb)  2903460020  
1,1,1,2,3,3 -hexafluoropropane (HFC -236ea)  2903460030  
1,1,1,3,3,3 -hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa)  2903460040  
Other HFC 236  2903460020  
Fluoromethane (methyl fluoride) (HFC -41)<  2903430010  
Fluoroethane (ethyl fluoride) (HFC -161)  2903499010  
1,2-difluoroethane (HFC -152)  2903430020  
1,1,1 -trifluoroethane (HFC -143a)  2903440020  
1,1,2 -trifluoroethane (HFC -143)  2903440030  
1,1,2,2 -tetrafluoroethane (HFC -134)  2903450020  
1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5 -decafluoropentane (HFC -43-10mee)  2903480020  
1,1,1,3,3 -pentafluorobutane (HFC -365mfc)  2903480010  
HFC365 derivative  2903480010  
Containing only 1,1,1 -trifluoroethane and pentafluoroethane  3827620010  
R507A (containing 50% of pentafluoroethane (HF C -125) and 50% of 
1,1,1trifluoroethane (HFC -143a))  3827610010  
Other  3827610090  
1,1,1 -trifluoroethane, pentafluoroethane and 1,1,1,2 -tetrafluoroethane  3827630015  
R404A (containing 52% of 1,1,1 -trifluoroethane (HFC -143a), 44% of  
pentafluoroethane  (HFC-125) and 4% of 1,1,1,2 -tetrafluoroethane (HFC -134 a))  3827610020  
Other  3827610090  
Containing only difluoromethane and pentafluoroethane  3827620030  
R410A (containing 50% of pentafluoroethane (HFC -125) and 50% of difluoromethane 
(HFC-32))  3827630020  
Other  3827630029  
Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane - 
Containing only difluoromethane, pentafluoroethane and 1,1,1,2tetrafluoroethane  3827620040  
R407A (containing 40% of pentafluoroethane (HFC -125), 40% of 
1,1,1,2tetrafluoroethane (HFC -134a) and 20% of difluoromethane (HFC -32))  3827630030  
R407C (containing 52% of 1,1,1,2 -tetrafluoroethane (HFC -134a), 25% of 
pentafluoroethane (HFC -125) and 23% of difluoromethane (HFC -32))  3827640020  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 30 - 
 
  Substances (HFCs)  CN/TARIFF code  
R407F (containing 40% of 1,1,1,2 -tetrafluoroethane (HFC -134a), 30% of 
difluoromethane (HFC -32) and 30% of p entafluoroethane (HFC -125))  3827640021  
R407H (containing 52.5% of 1,1,1,2 -tetrafluoroethane (HFC -134a), 32.5% of 
difluoromethane (HFC -32) and 15% of pentafluoroethane (HFC -125))  3827640022  
Other  3827640029  
Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane - 
Containing unsaturated hydrofluorocarbons.  3827650020  
R448A (containing 26% of difluoromethane (HFC -32), 26% of  
pentafluoroethane (HFC -125), 21% of (HFC - 1,1,1,2 -tetrafluoroetha ne 134a), 20% of 
2,3,3,3 -tetrafluoropropene (HFC -1234yf) and 7% of 1,3,3,3tetrafluoropropene (HFC -
1234ze)  3827650020  
R449A (containing 25.7% of 1,1,1,2 -tetrafluoroethane (HFC -134a), 25.3% of 
2,3,3,3tetrafluoropropene (HFC -1234yf), 24.7% of pentafluoroet hane (HFC -125) and 
24.3% of difluoromethane (HFC -32))  3827650021  
R450A (containing 58% of 1,3,3,3 -tetrafluoropropene (HFC -1234ze) and 42% of 
1,1,1,2 -tetrafluoroethane (HFC -134a))  3827690010  
R452A (containing 59% of pentafluoroethane (HFC -125), 30% of  
2,3,3,3tetrafluoropropene (HFC -1234yf) and 11% of difluoromethane (HFC -32))  3827630040  
R452B (containing 67% of difluoromethane (HFC -32), 26% of 
2,3,3,3tetrafluoropropene (HFC -1234yf) and 7% of pentafluoroethane (HFC -125)  3827680010  
R455A (containing 75.5% of 2,3,3,3 -tetrafluoropropene (HFC -1234yf),  
21.5% of difluoromethane (HFC -32) and 3% of carbon dioxide)  3827680020  
R513A (containing 56% of 2,3,3,3 -tetrafluoropropene (HFC -1234yf) and 44% of 
1,1,1,2 -tetrafluoroethane (HFC -134a))  3827690011  
R514A (containing 74.7% of 1,1,1,4,4,4 -hexafluoro -2-butene (HFC -1336mzz) and  
25.3% of trans -1,2-dichloro -ethylene)  3827690012  
Other  3827690019  
Suspensions  3827690090  
R508A (containing 61% of hexafluoroethane (perfluoroethane) (PFC -116) and 39 % 
of trifluoromethane (fluoroform) (HFC -23))  3827510010  
R508B (containing 54% of hexafluoroethane (perfluoroethane) (PFC -116) and 46 % 
of trifluoromethane (fluoroform) (HFC -23))  3827510020  
R422D (containing 65.1% of pentafluoroethane (HFC -125), 31.5% of 1,1,1,2 -
tetrafluoroethane (HFC -134a) and 3.4% of isobutane)  3827620050  
R417A (containing 50% of 1,1,1,2 -tetrafluoroethane (HFC -134a), 46.6% of 
pentafluoroethane (HFC -125) and 3.4% of isobutane)  3827630090  
R419A (containing 77% of pentafluoroethane (HFC -125), 19% of 
1,1,1,2tetrafluoroethane (HFC -134a), and 4% of dimethyl ether (R -E170))  3827620060  
Containing only 1,1,1,3,3 -pentafluorobutane (HFC -365mfc) and 1,1,1,2,3,3 ,3 -
heptafluoropropane (HFC -227ea)  3827680030  
Containing only 1,1,1,3,3 -pentafluorobutane (HFC -365mfc) and 
1,1,1,3,3pentafluoropropane (HFC -245fa)  3827680040  
Other  3827680090  
  
Pre-charged equipment   
  
The commodity codes relevant to this category are:  
  
Air-conditioning machines, comprising a motor -driven fan and elements for changing the 
temperature and humidity, including those machines in which the humidity cannot be separately 
regulated (pre -charged with HFCs).   
  
Pre-charged with HFCs  CN/TARIFF code    
Of a kind designed to be fixed to a window, wall ceiling or floor, self -contained or split 
system   8415101010   
   
Split system   8415109010   
Of a kind used in motor vehicles   8415200010   
Other   8415810091   
Other incorporating a refrigeration uni t   8415820091   
Parts   8415900099   
  
Refrigerators, freezers and other refrigerating or freezing equipment, electric or other; heat pumps 
other than air -conditioning machines of heading 8415 (pre -charged with HFCs).  
  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 31 - 
 
  Pre-charged with HFCs  CN/TARIFF code    
Combined Fridge Freezers, fitted 
with separate external doors   Of a capacity exceeding 340 litres   8418102091   
Other   8418108091   
Refrigerators, household type   Of a capacity exceeding 340 litres   8418211010   
Table model   8418215110   
Building in type   8418215910   
Other of a capacity not exceeding 250 litres   8418219110   
Exceeding 205 but not exceeding 340 litres   8418219910   
Other   8418290010   
Freezers of chest type, not  
exceeding 800 litres capacity   
   Of a capacity not exceeding 400 litres   8418302091   
Of a capacity exceeding 400 litres but not 
exceeding 800 litres   8418308091   
Freezers of the upright type, not 
exceeding 900 litres capacity.    Of a capacity not exceeding 250 litres   8418402091   
Of a capacity exceeding 250 litres but not 900 
litres   8418408091   
Other furniture (chests, cabinets, 
display counters, showcases and 
the like) for storage and display, 
incorporating refrigerating or  
freezing equipment   
   
   Refrigerated showcases and counters 
(incorporating a refrigerating unit or 
evaporator) - For frozen food storage   8418501110   
Refrigerated showcases and counters 
(incorporating a refrigerating unit or 
evaporator) - Other    8418501910   
Other refrigera ting furniture   8418509010   
Other refrigerating or freezing 
equipment; heat pumps   Heat pumps other than air conditioning machines 
of heading 8415   8418610091   
Other   8418690091   
Parts   Evaporator composed of aluminium fins and a 
copper coil of the kind used in refrigeration 
equipment   8418991000  
Condenser composed of two concentric copper 
tubes of the kind used in refrigeration equipment   8418991000  
Other   8418991081   
Of refrigerating equipment adapted to the air 
conditioning system, for use in certain types of 
aircraft   8418999099   
  
3. Only Members of the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment.  
  
4. Undertakings can be United Kingdom (UK) and non -UK organisations. Non -UK undertakings must 
nominate an Only Representative established in the United Kingdom for the purpose of compliance  
with the requirements of the F -gas Regulation in Great Britain. Undertakings not based in Northern 
Ireland, or the Euro pean Union must establish an Only representative in Northern Ireland or the 
European Union for the purpose of compliance with the F -gas Regulation in Northern Ireland.  
   
5. Legal basis:  
  
- Regulation (EU) No. 517/2014  as it applies in Great Britain as retained EU law, and as it 
applies in Northern Ireland directly.  
- The Ozone -Depleting Substances and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (Amendment etc.) (EU  
Exit) Regulations 2019   
- The Ozone -Depleting Substances and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (Amendment etc.) (EU  
Exit) Regulations 2020   
  
Procedures:  
 
6. The following responses relate to the import and export of F -gases (including HFCs) in Great 
Britain. For further information for Northern Ireland, please refer to the questionnaire on import 
licensing procedures for the European Union.  
  
Guidance  on  procedures  for  quota  allocation  and  licences  can  be  found  on:  
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fluorinated -gas-f-gas-guidance -for-users -producers -
and-traders .  
  
Article 15, a, b & c of the F -gas Regulation establishes the quota requirements regarding bulk HFCs.   
   G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 32 - 
 
  The quota requirement does not apply to quantities of less than 100 to nnes of CO2 equivalent of 
HFC per year and also not to the following categories of HFCs:   
   
a. imported for destruction;   
b. used by a producer as feedstock;   
c. supplied directly by a producer or an importer to undertakings, for export where those HFCs 
are not  subsequently made available to any other party to export;   
d. supplied directly by a producer or an importer for use in military equipment;   
e. supplied directly by a producer or an importer to an undertaking using it for the etching of 
semiconductor material  or the cleaning of chemicals vapour deposition chambers within the 
semiconductor manufacturing sector;   
f. supplied directly by a producer or an importer to an undertaking producing metered dose 
inhalers for the delivery of pharmaceutical ingredients.  
   
However, registration requirements remain for companies importing for the exempted uses listed 
above (except for the amounts <100t CO2).   
   
I. Reference values for the quota allocation are calculated every three  years and the quota 
updated annually based on  any requests for additional quota. The names of the undertakings 
with a quota reference value are publicly available, by request to the Environment Agency, 
whereas the values are commercially confidential.    
   
Each year (usually in June) the Environment  Agency publishes guidance on GOV.UK about the 
annual quota procedure for the following year. The notice informs about the relevant details 
of the quota application process including the deadlines. The Environment Agency updates 
guidance on quota applicati ons and allocations annually, with the quota window usually 
opening around 30 June and closes on 31 August every year. The Environment Agency will 
calculate the quotas of applicants by the end of October.  
   
Companies report on quantities imported and exp orted by 31 March in the year following the 
activity. Companies report to the Environment Agency using reporting forms on Welcome to 
GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) . The reporting format is specified  in Regulation (EU) No. 517/2014 as 
it is retained in Great Britain and as it applies in Northern Ireland directly.   
  
II. Quota is issued on a yearly basis. It is based on the account amounts of HFC each company 
has historically placed on the market (tri -annual reference values) since 2015 and annual 
declarations made regarding the intention to place additional HFCs on the market. The quotas 
are calculated in accordance with the phase -down schedule in Annex V Regulation (EU) 
No. 517/2014 Regulation and by app lying an allocation mechanism laid down in Annex VI to 
Regulation (EU) No. 517/2014 (the F -gas Regulation).   
   
Undertakings that have not historically placed HFCs on the market ("new entrants") may apply 
for quota from the new entrant reserve (11% of the  total quota allocation) by registering with 
the Environment Agency on the F -gas registration, quota and reporting service and declaring 
their intention to place HFCs on the market the following year. New entrant quota is allocated 
pro rata between all eli gible applicants. After three years, new entrants are allocated a 
reference value and become incumbent quota holders.    
   
Pursuant to Article 16 of the F -gas Regulation, the quotas of HFCs are allocated to the 
undertakings annually by the Environment Agency based on a system that takes into account 
amounts historically placed on the market by certain companies and declaration s made by 
any undertaking intending to place HFCs on the market. The phase -down steps are defined in 
accordance with Annex V of the F -gas Regulation and the mechanism to calculate the size of 
the quotas is laid down in Annex VI.    
   
III. Unused quota is valid  only for the year it is allocated and can only be used for either import 
or production. Quota can be transferred to another bulk quota holder, authorised to an 
equipment importer, and subsequently delegated to further equipment importers. The names 
of the  undertakings with a quota are publicly available, by request to the Environment Agency, 
whereas the values are commercially confidential.   G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 33 - 
 
  IV. The validity of the registration on the F -gas registration, quota and reporting service is in 
principle time unlimi ted. The timeframe for the registration can vary depending on information 
provided by the company but is usually completed within 20 working days if the provided 
information is accurate and complete. Companies must be registered before they can get a 
quota .  
   
V. Min and max length of registry requests – one day to a few months – depending on 
completeness and accurateness of information provided. Registration in the F -gas registration, 
quota and reporting service can happen all year long. Applications for quo ta can only be made 
during a declaration period to be determined annually by the Environment Agency and 
published in a notice on Welcome to GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)  each year.    
   
VI. Import ma y only occur when a company has enough quota after having been registered to 
import. Hence, it is the annual quota allocation cycle that is decisive. Usually, the declaration 
deadline is in June/July in the year preceding the year where the quota is becomi ng valid.  
   
VII. The Environment Agency is the single administrative organisation involved in the process.  
   
VIII.  Quota is allocated based on historic amounts placed on the market (tri -annual reference value) 
since 2015 and annual declarations on the intention to place on the market.  For undertakings 
that have not historically placed HFCs on the market ("new entrants "), quota is allocated on 
a pro rata basis. See Article 16 and Annex VI of the F -gas Regulation.  
   
IX. Not applicable    
   
X. Not applicable.  
   
XI. Not applicable.  
   
7. Not applicable.  
   
8. Companies that meet the ordinary criteria set out in Regulation (EU)  No. 517/2014 and are 
registered. The Environment Agency may refuse, suspend or cancel a registration if the criteria are 
not fulfilled. Incomplete  applications or incorrect information supplied to the Environment Agency 
would result in an inability to reg ister an organisation and applicant would be advised as necessary. 
There is no right of appeal set out in legislation. Applicants can complain against the decision to the 
EA. 
  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
 
9. An undertaking that constitu tes a natural or legal person can request registration in the F -gas 
System. Undertakings registered to import HFCs in bulk can, after validation, apply for HFC quota.  
   
Registration is compulsory for the following:    
   
a. producers and importers to which a quota for the placing on the market of hydrofluorocarbons 
has been allocated in accordance with Article 16(5);   
b. undertakings to which a quota is transferred in accordance with Article 18;   
c. producers and importers declaring their intention to submit a declaration pursuant to 
Article 16(2);   
d. producers and importers supplying, or undertakings in receipt of hydrofluor ocarbons for the 
purposes listed in points (a) to (f) of the second subparagraph of Article 15(2);   
e. importers of equipment placing pre -charged equipment on the market where the 
hydrofluorocarbons contained in the equipment have not been placed on the mark et prior to 
the charging of that equipment in accordance with Article 14;   
f. any undertaking importing fluorinated gases needs to be registered before undertaking such 
activities in accordance with Article 19.   
   
This service is free of charge.  
   G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 34 - 
 
  The li st of companies with quota reference values is published on Welcome to GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)  
by the Environment Agency. For Northern Ireland, the European Union publishes the details of the  
quota holders.  
   
Companies intending to import in bulk or import refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump 
equipment charged with HFCs can request registration (licence) in the registry. The detailed 
requirements for registrations are laid down in R egulation (EU) No. 517/2014 and, Implementing 
Regulation No. 2019/661 as they are retained in Great Britain and as they apply in Northern Ireland 
directly.    
   
Articles 17 and 19 of Regulation (EU) No. 517/2014 imposes an obligation for actors in the HFC s 
market in Great Britain to register with the Environment Agency on the F -gas registration, quota 
and reporting service, and in Northern Ireland with the European Commission. In Great Britain, 
companies register by using webforms on Welcome to GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)  and this information 
is stored in a spreadsheet operated by the Environment Agency. Only companies with a prior valid 
registration can import and export HFCs into and from Great Britain. For further information on the 
procedures in place in Northern Ireland, please refer to the questionnaire on import licensing 
procedures for the European Union, Fluorinated gases including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) .  
  
Documentational and other re quirements for application for licence  
 
10. The general information requirements for a registration licence is laid down in Regulation (EU) 
No. 517/2014 as it is retained in Great Britain and as it applies in Northern Ireland directly.    
   
For undertakings established in the United Kingdom (UK) : 
   
a. name and legal form of the undertaking;   
b. full address;   
c. telephone number;   
d. VAT number;   
e. Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number;   
f. the full name of one contact person;   
g. a description of the undertaking's business activities;   
h. written confirmation of the undertaking's intention to register in the regist ry signed by a 
beneficial owner or employee of the undertaking;   
i. bank account details – and validated.  
   
For undertakings established outside the UK and that have mandated a single representative as 
referred to in Article 16(5) of Regulation (EU) No. 517/2014 (the F -gas Regulation) : 
   
a. the information listed in points (a), (b) and (c) above;   
b. the information listed in points (d), (e) and (i) above, but with respect to the Only 
Representative rather than the undertaking;   
c. the full name of one contact wh o satisfies the conditions in points f) (i) and (ii) above, and an 
individual electronic address used for professional purposes by that person;   
d. an electronic address for the Only Representative;   
e. a description of the undertaking's business activities;   
f. the written confirmation listed in point (h) above but signed additionally by a beneficial owner 
or employee of the only representative.  
   
11. Upon importation of bulk HFCs no additional documents are required. Upon importation of 
refrigeration, air con ditioning and heat pump equipment charged with HFCs, a declaration of 
conformity is required from equipment importers.   
   
Article 14 of the F -gas Regulation establishes the requirements related to the placing on the market 
of refrigeration, air condition ing and heat pump equipment charged with HFCs inter alia  the link to 
the quota system and the declaration of conformity to this end. These conditions apply to all placing 
on the market, including for imported equipment released for free circulation. The pu rpose of this 
provision is to safeguard the environmental integrity of the phase -down of bulk HFCs.  
   
Normal customs procedures apply.  
 G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 35 - 
 
  12. Any undertaking which is defined as natural or legal person can register on the F -gas registration, 
quota and reporting service after verification. This service is free of charge.  
   
13. No deposit or advanced payment is required.  
  
Conditions of licensi ng and quota allocation  
 
14. Registration licence is valid until cancelled by the Environment Agency (or European Commission 
in respect of Northern Ireland) or the company. Bulk quotas are valid only for the year for which 
they are allocated.  
   
15. There is no penalty for unused licences or quota. Undertakings that have exceeded their quota 
are allocated a reduced quota allocation for the allocation period after the excess has been detected. 
The amount of reduction is calculated as 200% of the amount by which the quota was exceeded.  
   
16. According to Article 18 of Regulation (EU) No. 517/2014 bulk quota allocated can be transferred 
to other bulk importers or producers. Only the part of quota based on reference values can be 
transferred. The part based on declarations cannot be transferred. This is to prevent declarations 
for quota with  the sole purpose of selling the quota.  
   
17. Not applicable.  
  
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. Not applicable.  
  
19. Not applicable.  
  
2  HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE  
2.1  Civil explosives  
Outline of system  
 
1. The United Kingdom (UK) operates a system wh ere an authorisation (with certain limited 
exemptions) is required for the acquisition of explosives.  
 
With certain  exemptions, importers must apply for a Transfer Document which authorises the 
transfer of the explosives into the UK. A Recipient Competent Authority (RCA) document is required 
for the domestic transfer of explosives.   
 
Manufacturers or importers are req uired to mark most civil explosives with a unique identification 
code. Where it is required the unique identification code must be marked on (or in certain cases 
attached to) each individual item. Different marking requirements apply depending on the size of 
the explosive.  
 
Those who wish to import explosives into the UK should ensure that the explosives have been 
assigned a hazard classification by a signatory to the European Agreement Concerning for 
International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) and hold a Competent Authority 
Document (CAD), which specifies the hazard classification and any conditions in relation to the 
transport of the explosives.  
 
Further information is available on the HSE website : https://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/transfer -
of-explosives.htm . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. The provisions set out above apply to explosi ves as defined in The Explosives Regulations 2016. 
Explosive means (a) any explosive article or explosive substance which would (i) if packaged for 
transport, be classified in accordance with the United Nations Recommendations as falling within 
Class 1; or  ii) be classified in accordance with the United Nations recommendations as (aa) being G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 36 - 
 
  unduly sensitive or so reactive as to be subject to spontaneous reaction and accordingly too 
dangerous to transport, and (bb) falling within Class 1; or (b) a desensitis ed explosive.   
 
For the purposes of transport and hazard classification this applies to articles and substances which 
would be classified in accordance with the United Nations Recommendations as falling within Class  1. 
 
3. The system applies to goods orig inating in and coming from all countries.  
 
4. Licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. Licenses are deemed critical 
to protect human, animal or plant life and health and to protect the environment. No alternative 
methods have  been considered in accomplishing the purposes because these are deemed critical for 
the continued safety, security and traceability of explosives that are acquired and brought into the 
UK. This method is in alignment with similar processes operated outsid e of the UK for the same 
purpose.    
 
5. The licensing provisions are set out under the provisions of The Explosives Regulations 2016. 
(Specific arrangements for the importation of civil explosives into Northern Ireland in accordance 
with the requirements of European Directive No. 2014/28 relating to the making available on the 
market and supervision of explosives for civil uses continue to apply in NI by virtue of the Protocol 
on Ireland/Northern Ireland to the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kin gdom of Great 
Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community. 
In NI, these Directive requirements are transposed by The Making Available on the Market and 
Supervision of Transfers of Explosives Regulations (No rthern Ireland) 2016 and The Identification 
and Traceability of Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013) .  
 
Licensing is statutorily required, and the designation of products subjected to licensing is set out in 
the Regulations. The licensing provis ions in the Explosives Regulations 2014 are unaffected by the 
amendments made by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) 
Regulations 2019 and The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (UK(NI) Indication) 
(EU Exit) Regu lations 2020. These amendments are specific to the conformity assessment marking 
provisions of the regulations. It is not possible for the Government (or the executive branch) to 
abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
 
6. Licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. The purpose of licensing is 
to ensure the continued safety, security and traceability of explosives that are acquired and brought 
into the UK.  
 
7.(a) Licences to manufacture or store explosives should be in place before explosives reach the UK 
Border and are imported. Further information is available on the HSE website  Explosives - 
HSE. Applications for transfer documents, site codes and hazard classifications are generally 
processed within one month of receipt of all necessary information.   
(b) A licence cannot be granted immediately on request.  
(c) There are no limitatio ns as to the period of the year during which application for licence and 
or importation may be made.  
(d) The application is considered by a single administrative organ (Health and Safety Executive). 
Applications for import into NI are considered by the Dep artment of Justice in Northern 
Ireland.  
 
8. The conditions of each licence will be set out in the licence document.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
 
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licences. The system is restrictive insofar 
as the applicant for a licence must first apply for and obtain authorisation from the local police 
authority for a certificate to acquire or acquire and keep any relevant explosive. A certificate is issued 
to the applicant if the chief officer of police is satisfied that the applicant is a fit person. Fees are 
payable for the issue of both the certificate and the licence.  
 
There is no system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation or a 
published list of aut horized importers for civil explosives.  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 37 - 
 
  Documentation and other requirements for application for licence  
 
10. Further detail on the  information required in applications  is available on the HSE web site.  
 
11. To apply for a GB Transfer, a company must supply HSE with a completed LP50 (GB Transfer 
form), with all relevant sections completed. They must also  supply us with a valid Acquire & Keep 
Document and/or a Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD) document depending on what explosives they 
wish to transfer. All licences are required to import civil explosives. More information can be found 
here.  
 
12. The relevant fees are payable on the scale laid down in the current Health and Safety (Fees) 
Regulations . 
 
13. Currently there is no fee when applying to transfer explosives into GB. Further details on the 
other fees that may be payable for applications is available on the HSE website . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
 
14. The period of validity of a licence depends on the type of licence and will be stated on the licence. 
Some licences can be renewed, through the application process.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. Licences are not transferable between importers.  
 
17. The conditions of each licence will be set out in the licence document.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. With certain limited exemptions authorisations are required for the acquisition,  keeping, storage 
and/ or manufacture of explosives. Authorisations to acquire explosives are granted by the Police, 
while licences to store and/or manufacture explosives are granted by the Police, Local Authority or 
HSE, depending on the type and quantity  of explosives. Both may be required before explosives can 
be lawfully kept in the UK. Applications for authorisations to acquire or acquire and keep explosives 
granted by the Police are subject to the time taken to complete all necessary security assessme nts. 
Licences for the manufacture and/or storage of explosives are subject to the time taken to undertake 
a full assessment of the proposed storage locations and suitability checks of the applicant. If an 
importer can arrange third party storage arrangemen ts, then a licence to store may not be required 
before explosives are imported.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
3  HOME OFFICE  
3.1  Drug precursors  
Outline of system  
 
1. The drug precursor control system allows the United Kingdom to meet its international treaty 
obligations under the 1988 UN Convention Against the Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and 
Psychotropic Substances.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. Drug precursors are divided into 4 categories:  
 
•  Category 1: the most sensitive substances, such as piperonal, chloroephedrine and 
ergometrine;  
•  Category 2: less sensitive substances and pre -precursors, such as acetic anhydride, piperidine 
and phenylacetic acid;  
•  Category 3: bulk chemicals that can  have different uses, such as toluene, methyl ethyl ketone 
(MEK) and sulphuric acid;  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 38 - 
 
  •  Category 4: medicinal  products containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine.  
 
Please see further information on: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/precursor -chemical -licensing  
 
3. The need for import and/or export licences depends on several factors, such as which category 
substance falls into and the quantity. Please see the full chart covering the goods here:  
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/precursor -chemical -import -and-export -
authorisation -wallchar t. 
 
4. The objective of the system is to prevent the diversion of drug precursors for illicit manufacture 
while maintaining a competitive market for legitimate trade.  
 
5. The legislation and regulations under which the d rug precursor systems are controlled are laid 
out below.  
 
- Regulation (EC) 273/2004  of the European Parliament and Council of 11 February 2004 on 
drug precursors (Retained EU Legislation) ; 
- Council Regulation (EC) 111/2005  of 22 December  2004 laying down rules for the monitoring 
of trade between the Community and third countries in drug precursors (Retained EU 
Legislation) ; 
- Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No. 2015/1011 supplementing Regulation (EC) 
No. 273/2204 of the European Parlia ment and of the Council on drug precursors and Council 
Regulation (EC) No. 111/2005 laying down rules for the monitoring of trade between the Union 
and third countries in drug precursors, and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) 
No. 1277/2005 (Retained EU Legislation) ; 
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 2015/1013 of 25 June 2015 laying down rules 
in respect of Regulation (EC) No. 273/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on 
drug precursors and of Council Regulation (EC) No. 111/2005 la ying down rules for the 
monitoring of trade between the Union and third countries in drug precursors (Retained EU 
Legislation) ; 
- The Controlled Drugs (Drug Precursors) (Intra -Community Trade) Regulations 2008 ; 
- The Controlled Drugs (Drug Precursors) (Communi ty External Trade) Regulations 2008 ; and  
- The above are amended by the Part 5, Chapter 1 of the Law Enforcement and Security 
(Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.  
 
Specific arrangements apply in Northern Ireland including by virtue of the Protocol on 
Ireland/Northern Ireland. Further details on the operation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland 
can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the -northern -ireland -protocol . 
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable  
 
7.(a)  People can ship any time during the validity of the licence. Import licences are valid for three 
months and export licenses are valid for two months. Home Office service standard is seven -
ten working days in addition.  
 
Depending on the Drugs and Firearms Licensing Unit resource, a same day licence could be 
issued. If goods arrive at the port without a licence, a retrospective licence would not be issued 
as the offence has already occurred.  
 
Applications should be submitted in advance as they usually take 1 2-16 weeks to process once 
the Home Office have received the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for all those 
named on the licence application.  
 
(b) The process is not automatic, so it cannot be immediately granted. However, a licence could 
potent ially be granted  on the same day if the company already holds a valid domestic licence 
and have set up the products and foreign trade establishments on the NDS system.  
 
(c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for  licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
 G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 39 - 
 
  (d)  Consideration of licence applications is affected by a single administrative organ, the Drugs 
and Firearms Licensing Unit in the Home Office. However, the Unit will have regard to 
information from other agencies. Operators must lodge an application for an import or export 
authorisation (licence) with the competent authority in which the importer/exporter is 
established. The Home Office serves as the "competent authority".  
 
8. There are no specific circums tances under which an application for a licence may be refused other 
than failure to meet the ordinary criteria. The reasons for any refusal may be given to the applicant. 
Applicants do not have a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
 
9. To apply for a DPC import or export licence the company needs to hold the relevant domestic 
licence or registration where one is needed. It depends on several factors, such as the substance, 
the quantity and countries involved in the transaction as set out in the document at the following 
link: 
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/fil
e/954128/PC_Wallchart_Import -_Export__January_2021_ -_v1.1.pdf  
 
You need to apply for a new import or export licence for each individual shipment. Licences cannot 
be post -dated or retrospectively issued. If you are applying for a UK export licence, you must include 
a copy of the import permit.  
 
Each individual licence has a fee of £24.  
 
There is not a published list of auth orised importers due to privacy and confidentiality.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for application for licence  
 
10. Regulations require that all imports, exports and intermediary activities involving precursors 
chemicals be documented by operators.  
 
Operators must lodge an application for an import or export authorisation (licence) with the 
competent authority in which the importer/exporter is established. The Home Office serves as the 
"competent authority". Applications must be made via the national drugs control system (NDS) in 
respect of each transaction (shipment). Import/Export licences can only b e sought after the relevant 
domestic licence or registration is held.  
 
Applications for authorisations must contain full information about the transport arrangements, 
name and address of all operators involved, and nature, quantity and weight of the subst ance being 
traded.  
 
To apply for a domestic licence, they will need to provide the following information and 
documents:  
 
•  the company registration document from Companies House (if applicable);  
• a valid Disclosure and Barring Service (completed via Security Watchdog ) reference number 
and date of issue for the responsible officer and guarantor;  
•  a certificate of good conduct for  the responsible officer – this should be a brief letter signed 
by another officer of the company such as the guarantor and should, for example, confirm 
that the responsible officer is a fit and proper person to act as the responsible officer for 
precursor  chemicals. They may also wish to state how long the responsible officer has worked 
for the company, the role they hold and a statement on how they have carried out their duties;  
•  a purchase order (PO) number (if applicable to your company or organisati on);  
•  knowledge of the PC substances and categories . 
 
11. The import licence is required upon actual importation.  
 
12. The fee for an individual export or import licence is £24. The Home Office will process applications 
in date order. The expected proce ssing time is seven working days. You should expect another 
15 days' processing time if a pre -export notification is required while the importing authority 
considers your export.  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 40 - 
 
  Precursor chemical domestic licences: application fees for new precursor che mical domestic licences  
 
Licensable activity/activities  License application fee  
Category 1 license  £3,655  
Category 2 registration  £435 
Category 3 registration  £435 
 
13. No deposit or advance payment requirement. Payment is in arrears for import licensing only. All 
domestic licensing fees are paid before a licence is issued. It is a set fee per license which is 
non-refundable and also comes with cancellation fees depending on when the company cancel. The 
purpose of the fee is cost recovery.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
 
14. Import licences are issued for three months. Export licences are issued for two months or in line 
with the permit of the importing country, whichever expires first. The validity of a licence cannot be 
extended and is only valid  for a single shipment.  
 
15. Licences are for single shipments only; they cannot be used for multiple shipments.  
 
There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence, but licence fees are 
still payable.  
 
16. Licences are not transferable between importers.  
 
17. There are no other conditions attached to the issue of a licence.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. Customs declarations . 
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
3.2  Controlled drugs  
Outline of system  
 
1. The Controlled Drug system allows the United Kingdom to meet its international treaty obligations 
under the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and the 1971 UN Convention on 
Psychotropic Substances.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. Regulations require that all imports , exports and intermediary activities involving controlled drugs 
be documented by operators.  
 
Substances are listed in Parts I, II, III and IV of Schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and in 
Schedules 1 to 5 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, an d the Misuse of Drugs (Northern 
Ireland) Regulations 2002. A list of the most commonly encountered drugs currently controlled under 
those provisions can be found in the following link:  
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/controlled -drugs -list--2/list-of-most-commonly -
encountered -drugs -currently -controlled -under -the-misuse -of-drugs -legislation  
 
3. All countries whereby the substance being imported is controlled in either one of the countries.  
 
4. Licences are issued to manage the volumes of controlled drug movements worldwide, in 
accordance with our international obligations. Monetary value is of no relevance to these 
considerations. Licences enable trade which would otherwise be prohibited because of the danger 
posed by the substances and their risk of diversion. Controlled drugs are potentially harmful to 
health, and all imports must be made to a holder of a domestic controlled drugs licence, or to an 
exempt body (such as healthcare providers in respect of drugs in schedules 2 -4). 
 G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 41 - 
 
  5.(i)  The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971;  
(ii)  The M isuse of Drugs Regulations 2001;  
(iii)  The Misuse of Drugs Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002.  
 
The substances subject to licensing are set out in legislation. The substances subject to licensing are 
not left to administrative discretion.  
 
Procedures  
 
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a)  People can ship any time during the validity of the licence. Import licenses are valid for three 
months and export licences are valid for up to two months or in line with the permit of the 
importing country, whichever expires fi rst. Home Office service standard is seven -ten working 
days in addition.  
 
Depending on the Drugs and Firearms Licensing Unit resource, a same day licence could be 
issued. If goods arrive at the port without a licence, a retrospective licence would not be issued 
as the offence has already occurred.  
 
(b)  The process is not autom atic, so it cannot be immediately granted. However, a licence could 
potentially be granted on the same day, if the company already hold a valid Domestic licence 
and have set up the products and foreign trade establishments on the NDS system.  
(c)  There ar e no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
(d)  Consideration of licence applications is affected by a single administrative organ, the Drugs 
and Firearms Licensing Unit in the Home O ffice. However, the Unit will have regard to 
information from other agencies. In the case of cannabis -based products for medicinal use 
which are special medicinal products (unlicensed medicines) the Unit will take advice from the 
Medicines and Healthcare p roducts Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and applicants will need to 
show that they have notified the MHRA according to the MHRA's requirements. Operators must 
lodge an application for an import or export authorisation (licence) with the competent 
authority in wh ich the importer/exporter is established. The Home Office serves as the 
"competent authority".   
 
8. There are no specific circumstances under which an application for a licence may be refused. All 
applications are considered individually on their merits. T he reasons for any refusal are given to the 
applicant. Applicants do not have a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
 
9. To apply for a controlled drug import or export licence, the comp any would need to hold a domestic 
licence unless they fall under an exemption such as university research departments, hospitals, care 
homes and other healthcare providers who may only require a licence for certain schedules and 
activities.  
 
You need to a pply for a new import or export licence for each individual shipment. Licences cannot 
be post -dated or retrospectively issued. If you are applying for a UK export licence, you must include 
a copy of the import permit.  
 
Each individual licence has a fee of £24.  
 
There is not a published list of authorised importers due to privacy and confidentiality.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for application for licence  
 
10. Regulations require that all imports, exports and intermediary activities involving cont rolled 
drugs be documented by licensees. Licensees must lodge an application for an import or export 
authorisation (licence) with the competent authority in which the importer/exporter is established. 
The Home Office serves as the "competent authority". Ap plications must be made via the national 
drugs control system (NDS) in respect of each transaction (shipment).  
 G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 42 - 
 
  Applications for authorisations must contain full information about the transport arrangements, 
name and address of all parties involved, and na ture, quantity and weight of the substance being 
traded. It is an online application form that needs to be completed.  
 
11. The import licence is required upon actual importation.  
 
12. The fee for an individual export or import licence is £24. The Home Office will process applications 
in date order. The expected processing time is seven working days. A domestic licence is a pre -
requisite to apply for an import/export licence unless the company is exempt. The fees for a domestic 
controlled drugs licence:  
 
Controlled drug domestic licences: application fees for new controlled drug domestic licences  
 
Licensable activity  Application fee  
Possess controlled drugs  £3,133  
Supply, or offer to supply, controlled drugs  £3,655  
Produce preparations containing controlled drugs  £4,178  
Produce controlled drugs  £4,700  
 
13. No deposit or advance payment requirement. Payment is in arrears for import licensing only. 
All domestic licensing fees are paid before a licence is issued. It is a set fee per license which is 
non-refundable and also comes with cancellation fees depending on when the company cancel. 
The purpose of the fee is cost recovery.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
 
14. Import licences are issued for three months. Export licences are issued for t wo months or in line 
with the permit of the importing country, whichever expires first. The validity of a licence cannot be 
extended.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. Licences are not transferabl e between importers.  
 
17. There are no other conditions attached to the issue of a licence.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. Customs declarations.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
3.3  Firearms  
Outline of system  
 
1. The OGIL  (Open General Import Licence) is a national trade control measure run by the 
Department for Business and Trade (DBT) that allows the import of firearms into the UK, subject to 
the exceptions it sets out.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. The Import Licensing Branch (ILB) of the Department for Business and Trade issues import 
licences on its online Import Case Management System for the import of firearms, component parts 
of firearms, ammunition, accessories designed or adapted to diminis h the noise or flash caused by 
the firing of a weapon and bump stocks. Certain exclusions are listed in the Annex to the OGIL, as 
updated from time to time, which do not require an import licence.  
 
Ex Chapter 93  
9705000030  
9705000090  
9706000090  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
- 43 - 
 
  3. All co untries.  
 
4. No, the import licensing regime is in place for public safety reasons to ensure that only those with 
domestic authority to possess or sell firearms, their component parts, ammunition, noise 
suppressors and bump stocks can import them.  
 
5. Th e Import Licensing Branch of the Department for Business and Trade administers the import 
licensing controls on firearms under conditions listed in the Open General Import Licence (OGIL). 
The OGIL is a national trade control measure, which allows the impor t of goods into the UK and sets 
out any applicable import controls.  
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a)  Applications can be made at any time. Importers will run the risk, however, of having their 
firearms seized by UK customs if they do not have a v alid import licence in place at the time 
of the import.  
(b)  Yes, an import licence can be granted immediately upon request. This can only be done if 
either a) the importer has previously had the validity and coverage of their firearms authorities 
verified by the UK authorities that issued them, e.g., the Police and /or Home Office or b) the 
firearms are not subject to domestic possession controls provided that certain conditions 
excluding the firearms from those controls are met and confirmed.  
(c)  An import licence application can be submitted at any time of the ye ar provided that the 
applicant is registered and set up on the Import Licensing Branch's Import Case Management 
System (ICMS). The Import Licencing Branch of the Department for Business and Trade will 
not be able to process that request when closed on a we ekend or during a public holiday.  
(d)  Whilst the application is entirely handled by the Import Licensing Branch of the Department 
for Business and Trade, we will verify the additional domestic possession documentation 
provided in an application with the police and/or Home Office before making a decision on 
granting an import licence.  
 
8. Applications will be refused where the applicant does not have the necessary domestic possession 
authority. There is an appeal process in conjunction with the Home Offic e firearms unit, which is 
responsible for firearms policy in the UK.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for license  
 
9. Where domestic authority to possess is required, only those that hold it can import.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for application for license  
 
10. The applications can only be submitted online via ILB's Import Case Management System. 
The applicant must confirm the type of firearm, where within the Firearms Act it falls, the number  
of firearms, the country that they originate from and the country that they are consigned from. 
The applicant, depending upon the type of firearm, may need to upload copies of their firearms 
authorities, which would need to be verified by the authority th at issued them or a copy of a 
deactivation certificate if the firearm has been deactivated to the relevant standards.  
 
11. Import licence plus legal documentation confirming that the individual/company complies with 
UK authority to possess requirements.  
 
12. Import Licencing Branch of Department for Business and Trade does not currently charge for the 
issuing of import licences.  
 
13. There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of licences.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
 
14. The validity period of a Specific Import Licence is set up to six months from its date of issue. It 
can be less if the applicant's firearms authorities expire within six months. Open Individual Import G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
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  Licences have a validity period that matches the validi ty period of their Certificate of Registration as 
a Firearms Dealer.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. Licences are not transferable between importers.  
 
17. Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural re quirements  
 
18. Customs declarations.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
4  DEPARTMENT FOR ENERGY SECURITY AND NET ZERO  
4.1  Nuclear Materials  
Outline of system  
 
1. The UK requires an import licence when: Uranium Ore concentrates; and Plutonium, Uranium 
233, Uranium enriched in the isotopes 233 or 235, natural Uranium and mixtures, compounds and 
alloys containing any of the foregoing, including spent or irradiated nuclear reactor fuel elements; 
(together referred to as "Nuclear Materials") are imported into the UK.  
 
This import licensing system is administered by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). These 
licenses give the UK control over potentially fissile ma terial, which is important on national security 
grounds.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. The following nuclear materials currently require an import licence when imported into the UK 
from outside the EU:  
 
• ex 26 12 Uranium ore concentrates  
• ex 28 44 Plutonium, uranium 233, uranium enriched in the isotopes 233 or 235, natural 
uranium and mixt ures, compounds and alloys containing any of the foregoing, including spent 
or irradiated nuclear reactor fuel elements (cartridges).  
 
3. Import licensing arrangements cover all imports of relevant nuclear materials into the UK. 
All nuclear imports will b e subject to the same import licensing procedures.  
 
4. The import licensing requirement exists to prevent nuclear material that could be used to make 
an improvised nuclear device from falling into the wrong hands (i.e., a national security and nuclear 
non-proliferation concern). When the shipments are stopped at the border by radiation detectors, 
the accompanying import licence enables Border Force officials to determine its legitimacy and 
proceed accordingly.  
 
Removing the import licensing requirement fo r relevant nuclear material would diminish ONR's ability 
to identify imports that should not take place, or add conditions or caveats to imports, to suitably 
check and address any concerns over the materials intended use for making an improvised nuclear 
device. For this reason, alternative methods have not been considered.  
 
5. The import licensing restriction on these materials (via their inclusion in the Annex to the Open 
General Import Licence), gives these materials "prohibited and restricted" status. T his licensing 
restriction enables designated customs officials to use powers contained in the Customs and Excise 
Management Act 1979 (CEMA) to search for these materials at the border and to seize or detain 
imports if they reasonably believe them to be pro hibited or restricted and if they suspect they are 
being imported illegally.  
 G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
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  The underlying Annex to Open General Imports Licences will be amended to provide that licences 
will be required for all relevant nuclear imports coming into the UK.  
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a)  Goods without a licence will not be granted acce ss to the UK on entry at any Port without a 
valid one in place.  
 
There is no fixed period for submitting a specific license application in advance of importation, 
although it must be reviewed, and a license must be issued before the importation occurs. 
However, we recommend that operators submit their application two months before the 
importation.  
 
(b)  No - around two months for granting from receipt of application to ONR. A specific license 
would not be granted immediately upon request. Applicants shoul d allow up to two months 
from the date an application is received by ONR.  
(c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which a specific import license 
application can be submitted to ONR.  
(d)  ONR will grant the licence and will unde rtake discussions with other organisations, as is 
required, for approval.  
 
8. Licence could be refused under the Nuclear Industries Security Regulations due to over excessive 
quantities, legal entity of the company importing etc. Any refusal, provided no sensitivities, would 
be given the reason(s) in an open and transparent manner. Right of appeal in the first instance 
would be in writing to the Deputy Chief Nuclear Inspector at ONR.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for license  
 
9. Any company register ed with Companies House is eligible to apply for a licence. Applicants do not 
need to register anywhere else to apply for the licences. Applicants and licensees do not pay any 
fees for the licences. Lists of applicants or licensees are not published. An ap plication consists of two 
forms: a declaration signed by a director of a company, authorising an individual to apply on behalf 
of the company; and an application signed by the individual.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for application for license  
 
10. Detailed information and guidance is available on Welcome to GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)  and forms 
can be accessed at https://www. onr.org.uk/cnss/licensing.htm .  
 
11. Importer must carry the licence along with other relevant identification documents.  
 
12. There is no application fee.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
 
14. A valid licence only remains valid for 12 months from the date of issue. A new licence must be 
applied after its expiration date.  
 
15. Not applicable.  
 
16. No, licences cannot be transferred between importers.  
 
17. Importer s applying for licence are required to declare the quantity of materials to be covered by 
the licence.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. Customs declarations.  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
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  19. Not applicable.  
 
5  FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE  
5.1  Rough Diamonds  
Outline of system  
 
1. The UK's rough diamonds import regime controls the import, export and transit of rough 
diamonds, in line with the requirements of the Kimberley Process. The Kimberley Process is a 
regulatory certification scheme set up by States with the aim of breaking the link between armed 
conflict and the trade in rough diamonds.  
 
The Kimberley Process has established a set of requirements which participants must comply with 
and enforce through enacting national legislation. This includes ensuring that a Kimberley Process 
Certificate accompanies each export of rough diamonds from th eir territory, and no shipment of 
rough diamonds is imported to or exported from a non -participant.  
 
The Government Diamond Office in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, is 
responsible for implementing the Kimberley Process in the UK.  
 
Purpo ses and coverage of licensing  
 
2. Rough diamond imports must be accompanied by a Kimberley Process certificate issued and 
validated by the competent authority of the exporting participant. A competent authority means the 
authority designated by a participa nt to issue, validate or verify a certificate. A certificate means a 
document duly issued and validated by a participant's competent authority identifying a shipment 
of rough diamonds as being in compliance with the requirements of the Kimberley Process ce rtificate 
scheme.  
 
Rough diamonds are diamonds that are unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted and fall under 
the relevant trade tariff commodity codes – 7102.1000 (unsorted rough diamonds), 7102.2100 
(industrial rough diamonds) and 7102.3100 (non -industrial rough diamonds).  
 
3. The import regime applies to rough diamonds being imported from a Kimberley Process 
participant. A participant is defined as any State, regional economic integration organisation, WTO -
member or separate customs territory that f ulfils the requirements of the KP certification scheme 
and has notified that fact to the Chair of the KP certification scheme. Rough diamond imports from 
non-participants of the Kimberley Process will be denied entry.  
 
4. The import regime does not restric t the quantity or value of imports. The purpose of the UK's 
import regime is to enforce the requirements of the Kimberley Process, a conflict prevention measure 
designed to break the link between armed conflict and the trade in rough diamonds.  
 
5. Retained  EU law: Council Regulation (EC) No. 2368/2002 of 20 December 2002 implementing the 
Kimberley Process certification scheme for the international trade in rough diamonds.  
 
UK legislation: The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (Amendment) (EU Exit) 
Regulations  2019, The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 
2020, and The Kimberley Process (Fees) Regulations 2014.2 
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not app licable . 
 
7.(a)  The UK's import regime begins when the rough diamond import arrives at the UK border. 
The importer must make arrangements for the Kimberley Process certificate to be presented 
to the border authorities.  
 
2 Specific arrangements apply in Northern Ireland including by virtue of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern 
Ireland. Further details on the operation of the Protocol on Ireland/No rthern Ireland can be found at 
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/export -diamonds -special -rules.  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
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  (b)  There are a number of Kimberley Process related import conditions which must be satisfied. 
Only after it ha s been confirmed that the import complies with the conditions set out in 11 
below will the import be granted entry (subject to compliance with any other import 
requirements not related to the Kimberley Process).  
(c)  There is no limitation as to the perio d of the year when an import of rough diamonds can 
arrive in the UK.  
(d)  The Government Diamond Office works with border authorities (UK Border Force and HM 
Revenues and Customs) to check if rough diamond imports comply with the import conditions 
set out  in 11 below. All imports of rough diamonds may be subject to physical inspection by 
the Government Diamond Office to confirm compliance.  
 
8. If the rough diamond import does not comply with the import conditions set out in 11 below, it 
will be detained f or further investigation by the Government Diamond Office. As part of the 
investigation, the Government Diamond Office will advise the importer why the import has failed 
compliance and discuss ways to rectify. Rough diamond imports can only be granted entr y into the 
UK once all import conditions are met.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
 
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to import rough diamonds into the UK providing the 
import complies with the import conditions set out in 1 1 below (and any other import requirements 
not related to the Kimberley Process), including being accompanied by a Kimberley Process 
certificate issued and validated by the competent authority of the exporting participant. The terms 
and conditions associat ed with the application and issuing of a certificate will be determined by the 
competent authority of the exporting participant and may vary from participant to participant.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for application for licence  
 
10. Rough diamo nd imports must be accompanied by a Kimberley Process certificate issued and 
validated by the competent authority of the exporting participant. The terms and conditions 
associated with the application and issuing of a Kimberley Process certificate are dete rmined by the 
competent authority of the exporting participant and may vary from participant to participant. 
A competent authority means the authority designated by a participant to issue, validate or verify a 
certificate. A certificate means a document du ly issued and validated by a participant's competent 
authority identifying a shipment of rough diamonds as complying with the requirements of the 
Kimberley Process certificate scheme.  
 
11. There are a number of Kimberley Process related import conditions w hich must be satisfied. 
These conditions are that:  
 
• The rough diamonds are accompanied by a Kimberley Process certificate validated by the 
competent authority of a Kimberley Process participant.  
• The rough diamonds are contained in tamper -resistant containers, and the seals applied at 
export by the particip ant are not broken.  
• The Kimberley Process certificate clearly identifies the consignment to which it refers.  
 
12. Not applicable.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
 
14. The Kimberley Process certificate must be within the period of validity when the import arrives 
at the UK border. If the certificate is not within the period of validity, the import will be detained for 
further investigation by the Government Diamond Office . 
 
15. Not applicable.  
 
16. The name and address of the import er on the certificate must be the same as the name and 
address of the actual importer. Therefore, it is not transferable.  
 
17. Not applicable.  G/LIC/N/3/GBR/3  
 
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  Other procedural requirements  
 
18. Customs declarations.  
 
19. Not applicable for the UK's import requirements.   
 
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