Import & Export Licences
In brief: Certain goods need a licence, certificate or other authorisation before they can legally cross the border — and it’s the trader’s job to have it in place before the goods move, not after they’re stopped. We help you understand which licences your goods need, make sure they’re obtained in time, and reference them correctly on the customs declaration: 01273 426 168.
By the Courier Express customs team · Last reviewed 30 September 2026 · General information, not legal advice — always check current GOV.UK guidance for your goods.
When a licence is needed
Licensing requirements are driven by what the goods are (the commodity code), where they’re going or coming from, and sometimes who is receiving them. The UK Trade Tariff lists the licence and certificate measures attached to each code for each route — checking it before the movement is the single most important step.
The main types of authorisation
- Import licences and certificates — required for goods ranging from firearms and medicines to certain foods, plants, chemicals and textiles, issued by the relevant UK authority for the commodity.
- Export licences for strategic goods — military and dual-use items need an export licence. Depending on the goods and destination this may be an Open General Export Licence (OGEL), which requires registration and compliance with its conditions, or a specific licence for your exact goods, destination and end-user.
- Health and phytosanitary certificates — for animal products, plants and certain foods, working alongside IPAFFS pre-notification.
- Other authorisations — CITES permits for endangered species products, excise approvals, waste shipment consents and more, depending on the goods.
The discipline that keeps goods moving
1. Classify the goods correctly — the licence requirement hangs off the commodity code (see Tariff Classification).
2. Check the measures for the actual route in the UK Trade Tariff, and the export control lists for strategic goods.
3. Apply in good time — some licences are quick, others are not. Licence lead time belongs in the shipping plan, not as a surprise at the port.
4. Reference the licence correctly on the customs declaration — a valid licence that isn’t declared properly protects nobody.
5. Keep the records — licences and their usage are auditable, and conditions (especially on OGELs) must actually be met, not just assumed.
How Courier Express helps
We identify the licensing requirements for your goods and route as part of the customs check, tell you which authority issues what and how long it typically takes, and make sure every authorisation is correctly referenced on the declaration and consistent with the transport documents. Exporters remain responsible for their own strategic export compliance — but you’ll never find out about a licence requirement at the border with us.
Licences sorted before the wheels move
Not sure whether your goods need a licence? That’s exactly the question the free consultation answers — before anything is booked.
Licensing questions, answered
How do I find out if my goods need a licence?
The commodity code plus the route tells you — the UK Trade Tariff lists licence and certificate measures per code, and export control lists cover strategic goods. We run this check for every consignment where controls could apply.
Who applies for the licence — you or us?
Licences are issued to the trader, so applications are made in your name — but we tell you which authorisation you need, which authority issues it, and how it must appear on the declaration.
What is an OGEL?
An Open General Export Licence — a pre-published licence covering specified goods to specified destinations. You register to use it and must comply with its conditions; where no OGEL fits, a specific licence for your goods, destination and end-user is needed.
What happens if goods travel without the required licence?
They can be stopped, seized or refused — and for strategic export controls, exporting without the correct licence is a criminal offence. Lead time on a licence is always cheaper than a seized consignment.
Do licences expire?
Yes — licences and certificates have validity periods and conditions, and some are single-use. We check validity as part of preparing the declaration.
Authoritative sources
- GOV.UK — UK strategic export controls
- GOV.UK — Open general export licences (OGELs)
- GOV.UK Trade Tariff commodity code service
Part of our Customs Services. Wondering what makes goods controlled in the first place? See Controlled Goods.
Does your shipment need a licence?
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