Take goods temporarily out of Great Britain

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When you return to Great Britain

You should decide how you want to declare your items before you travel.

When you return to Great Britain, go through:

  • the green 鈥榥othing to declare鈥� channel if you鈥檙e making a declaration by conduct
  • the red 鈥榞oods to declare鈥� channel if you鈥檙e making an oral declaration, or use the red point phone

Check what to do if you鈥檙e using an ATA Carnet.

If you鈥檙e a haulier, a freight forwarder or a driver

You might need to show your goods at an inland border facility if you鈥檙e returning through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel or Holyhead and any of the following apply:

  • you鈥檙e ending a Common Transit Convention (CTC) movement (also known as 鈥榚nding transit鈥�) - unless you鈥檙e using an Authorised Consignor or Consignee (ACC)
  • you need to have your ATA Carnet stamped
  • you need to present a CITES permit

Find out what to do when attending an inland border facility.

Claiming Returned Goods Relief

Claim Returned Goods Relief when making your declaration.

Customs might ask you to prove that the goods were previously in the UK.

Proof could be a receipt that shows where you bought the item, or your customs documents.

Find out more about how to claim Returned Goods Relief.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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