London office: Holborn Gate, 330 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7QH, England. This note explains how import registration and licensing works in England and Wales for businesses importing goods into the UK. It clarifies the UK equivalents of an “import registration certificate” and the typical licensing paths for controlled or regulated commodities.

Overview: UK registration and licensing framework

There is no single UK document called an “IRC” in the way some jurisdictions use that term. Instead, bringing goods into Great Britain typically requires one or more of the following: an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number; a customs declaration via the Customs Declaration Service (CDS); and, where applicable, commodity-specific import licences or permits issued by UK authorities (for example, for plants and animals, medicines, chemicals, firearms, or endangered species).

When an import licence or permit is required

Import licences are required when goods are controlled, prohibited without permission, or subject to health, safety or environmental checks. Common examples include:

• Live animals, animal products and plants — often requiring phytosanitary or veterinary certificates and DEFRA/APHA permits.
• Medicines and medical devices — regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
• Chemicals and hazardous substances — may require HSE notifications or REACH compliance.
• Dual‑use or military‑related items — subject to control by the Export Control Joint Unit/Department for Business and Trade for specified items.
• CITES-listed species — import/export permits from relevant authorities.

How to prepare and apply: practical steps

1. Confirm whether your goods need a licence or permit: check commodity codes, controls and prohibitions on gov.uk and other regulator pages.
2. Obtain an EORI number if you will make, or appoint a declarant to make, customs declarations for your business in the UK.
3. Identify the competent authority for your goods (DEFRA/APHA, MHRA, HSE, Home Office, HMRC, etc.) and review their application requirements.
4. Assemble documentary evidence: commercial invoice, transport documents, certificates of conformity, safety data sheets, lab test reports, certificates of origin, and any recommended supporting forms.
5. Apply online where available and pay any fees. Some permits may demand inspection, lab testing or additional assurances such as importer compliance records.
6. Ensure customs declarations (CDS) are lodged and any import VAT or duties are accounted for on import.

Practical checklist

• Do you have an EORI number? (Apply via gov.uk)
• Have you confirmed the commodity code and checked whether restrictions apply?
• Which UK regulator issues the permit for your goods?
• Are certificates (phytosanitary, veterinary, CITES, conformity) required from the exporting country?
• Who will submit the customs declaration and pay duties/VAT?
• Have you budgeted for lead times — licence processing, inspections and testing can add days or weeks?
• Do you retain records and audit trails to demonstrate compliance?

Jurisdiction and sources

Primary official sources for import licensing and registration in the United Kingdom:

• gov.uk (HM Revenue & Customs guidance on importing goods; applying for an EORI; Customs Declaration Service)
• Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) (plant and animal health requirements)
• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) (medicines and medical devices)
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE) (chemicals and industrial safety, REACH matters)
• Department for Business and Trade / Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) (controls on strategic and dual‑use items)

For transactions that touch Scotland or Northern Ireland, note that separate or additional requirements may apply under devolved arrangements and EU‑NI Protocol provisions respectively; consult the specific regulator guidance.

General information only; not legal advice and not a substitute for advice on a particular matter.