Do I need a company to import into the UK, and where is the official register of customs agents?

Answer

To move goods to or from Great Britain you need a GB EORI number; a UK limited company is the usual form, directors need not live in the UK, and HMRC publishes a customs agents register that it does not vet. The register is voluntary, not a licence list.

Applies to

Overseas buyers importing small shipments from China into Great Britain who are thinking of setting up a UK company, or who want to check a customs agent.