What are restricted goods?
Restricted goods are items that can be imported into a destination country, but only under specific conditions — for example, with prior import permission, additional documentation, or after inspection. Commonly restricted goods include:
- Vehicles — require prior import approval and often duty payment
- Firearms and air rifles — require import permits
- Prescription medications — limited to personal quantities with original prescription
- Alcohol — permitted in personal quantities in most countries, prohibited or restricted in others (particularly the Gulf states)
- Certain food products — commercially produced and sealed food may be permitted in some countries with appropriate declaration
- Plants and seeds — may be permitted with a phytosanitary certificate or after inspection
- Antiques and artworks — may require export licences from the UK
Also known as: Controlled goods, conditionally permitted goods
PSS Tip: Always declare restricted goods on your customs documentation and obtain any required import permissions before your goods depart the UK.
