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Compare Country Trade Regulations

Pick up to 4 economies and see customs authorities, licensing regimes, prohibited & restricted lists, sanctions overlays and dispute forums side by side. Decision-support only - always confirm with local counsel.

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Dimension
United Kingdom
GB →
IntroSince 1 Jan 2021 the UK operates an independent customs regime under the UK Global Tariff (UKGT), with declarations via CDS (Customs Declaration Service - fully replaced CHIEF Oct 2023). BTOM (Border Target Operating Model, 2024) phases in sanitary and phytosanitary controls for EU imports. UK CBAM legislated for 1 Jan 2027 with slightly different scope from EU CBAM.
Primary authorities
  • HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)Customs, VAT, excise, CDS operator.
  • Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU)Strategic export controls (SPIRE portal).
  • Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI)UK sanctions list & licensing.
  • Trade Remedies Authority (TRA)AD/CVD/safeguards post-Brexit.
Licensing regimes
  • Strategic Export ControlMilitary list + UK dual-use list (aligned with EU 2021/821 for now). · ECJU via SPIRE
  • Import Licence (specified goods)Firearms, ozone-depleting substances, some agricultural quotas. · DIT / DEFRA
  • OFSI general/specific licenceFrozen-fund transactions under UK sanctions regime. · OFSI
Prohibited goods
  • · Russian-origin oil, gas, coal, iron/steel, luxury goods (Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regs 2019).
  • · Belarus-origin potash, tobacco, mineral fuels.
  • · Endangered species (COTES 2018).
  • · Offensive weapons (Offensive Weapons Act 2019).
Restricted goods
  • · TRA-imposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese aluminium foil, ceramic tiles, e-bikes and others.
  • · SPS controls under BTOM 2024 for EU animal products (medium/high risk).
  • · Precursor chemicals under Modern Slavery Act 2015 (reporting for turnover >£36m).
  • · Strategic goods to Belarus, Russia, Myanmar under UK sanctions regimes.
Labelling requirements
  • · UKCA marking for goods in scope of UK-designated standards (indefinite CE recognition for most sectors as of 2024).
  • · UKNI marking for goods placed on the NI market via a UK conformity assessment body.
  • · Country of origin: 'Made in [country]' when displayed; misleading origin is a criminal offence under CPRs 2008.
Sanctions overlay
  • · UK Sanctions List (autonomous, post-SAMLA 2018).
  • · Country regimes broadly mirror EU (Russia, Belarus, Iran, Syria, DPRK, Myanmar, Venezuela).
  • · Financial sanctions - OFSI 'General Licence' framework.
  • · OFSI ownership control test = 50% OR de facto control (broader than OFAC's 50% Rule).
Dispute resolutionCustoms decisions - HMRC review + First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber). Trade remedies - TRA reviews + Upper Tribunal. Sanctions - OFSI Ministerial Review + judicial review in Administrative Court. FTA disputes under CPTPP Chapter 28 (from 15 Dec 2024) and UK-EU TCA Part Six.
Official sources

Frequently asked questions

How do I compare import regulations between two countries?

Pick two to four countries above. The table lines up the customs authority, import licensing, VAT/GST rate, prohibited and restricted goods, sanctions overlays and dispute forums, with links to each official source.

Is this comparison legal advice?

No. It is decision support built from published government sources. Regulatory positions change often, so confirm every action with the named authority or licensed local counsel before you ship.

Where do I calculate the duty once I know the rules?

Use the Import Duty & VAT Calculator for a quick CIF-based estimate, or the Landed Cost Calculator for the full cost stack including freight, insurance and destination charges.

Next step: Import Duty & VAT Calculator or Landed Cost Calculator. Last reviewed 14 October 2026.

Comparison is decision-support only. Regulatory positions change frequently - confirm every action with the named authorities or licensed local counsel.