Import From China Business

A practical guide for starting a small business

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Import from China
Sell on eBay

Sandra Kell
Ontario, Canada
Baby Products
Profit This Year: $10,400

“I started with $1,000 and began importing baby products from China. I sell them on eBay, Facebook and in my local stores.  After 8 months, I am earning $400 a week.  I finally quit my day job!”

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Import Controls

Purpose of Import Controls

Import Controls apply in UK whether you are importing goods from another European Union (EU) country or a non-EU country (also called third country).  There are special rules, regulations and restrictions when you are attempting to bring in agricultural products or hazardous products.  The purpose of such import controls is to protect the country from the potential harm from some classes of goods available from other countries.

Import Controls - Agricultural & Food Overview

Special permission is required to import Agricultural & Food products into the UK.  An Agricultural License from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) is required if you decide to import agricultural products of any kind regardless whether they come from an EU country or a third country. HM Revenue & Customs' Common Agricultural Policy may also limit the quantity of imported agricultural products in the form of import quotas.

• For food items such as meat, poultry, milk and livestock plus other categories such as blood, plant life, fur and endangered species, a license from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is required.   In addition to an import license, a Phytosanitary (Plant Health) Certificate is required for plants, fruit and vegetables.   
• To import products which are made from endangered plants and animals, a permit from Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITIES) is required.
• To import live animals in U.K., Defra has rules on veterinary check requirements and products of animal origin (POAO) - whether the animals come from EU or a third country.  There are certain animals that can be imported into UK under a general license depending on the products of animal origin.  

Import Controls - Food Products

Special permission is required to import Agricultural & Food products into the UK.  An Agricultural License from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) is required if you decide to import agricultural products of any kind regardless whether they come from an EU country or a third country. HM Revenue & Customs' Common Agricultural Policy may also limit the quantity of imported agricultural products in the form of import quotas.

• For food items such as meat, poultry, milk and livestock plus other categories such as blood, plant life, fur and endangered species, a license from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is required.   In addition to an import license, a Phytosanitary (Plant Health) Certificate is required for plants, fruit and vegetables.   
• To import products which are made from endangered plants and animals, a permit from Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITIES) is required.
• To import live animals in U.K., Defra has rules on veterinary check requirements and products of animal origin (POAO) - whether the animals come from EU or a third country.  There are certain animals that can be imported into UK under a general license depending on the products of animal origin.  

Import Controls - Fish & Fishery Products

To control the import and export of illegal marine life, all fishery products from EU and non-EU countries must meet certain requirements.  The type fish and fishery products which are considered as illegal can be obtained from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Importation of Dissostichus fish species (also known as Patagonian toothfish or Chilean seabass) is controlled by the Convention on the Conservation of Antartic Marine Living Sources (CCAMLR).  It will require a Catch Document.

Import Controls - Prohibitions, Restrictions and Licenses

Beyond what is typically required, there are some imports which will need special licenses or certificates.  These are typically considered as dangerous goods.  You will need to check with the individual governing bodies for the industry of the imported goods in question.  

Here are some examples of these types of goods:

• Ozone depleting substances imported from a non-EU country will require a license.
   
• There are strict controls on importing hazardous chemicals or pesticides into the EU.
   
• Radio and other communication devices may need a special license before they can be brought into the country.
   
• Forestry products and packaging materials are subject to controls.  For instance, imports brought into UK as wooden packaging is subject to phytosanitary measures which are measure to protect domestic plants.
   
• Nuclear materials are either restricted or banned unless you have a member state of the European countries consigning the import. You'll need a restricted individual import license if you wish to import a restricted nuclear product.  Stringent health and safety regulations also apply here.  The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) governs the rules and restrictions for nuclear materials.
   
• The Health and Safety Executive also controls the importing of carcinogens.  You will need an Exemption Certificate in order to bring such products into the UK.
   
• Ammonium nitrate used in fertilizers and also explosives are under import control especially if large quantities are involved.
   
• Oil and gas products must follow strict safety standards when imported into the UK.
   
• Rough diamonds must receive a Kimberley certificate which is an international initiative to prevent criminals from using diamonds to fund their activities.
   
• Some waste products are prohibited as outlined in the Waste Management regulation.