Sporting ammunition → United Kingdom

Importing ammunition into the UK requires a valid UK firearms or shotgun certificate; tourists without a UK licence cannot import ammunition and are effectively prohibited.

Details

The Firearms Act 1968 (UK) prohibits the import of ammunition without authorisation. Section 5 of the Act classifies certain ammunition as specially dangerous; all ammunition requires a valid Firearms Certificate (for rifle/pistol) or Shotgun Certificate (for shotgun cartridges) issued by UK police. Visitors may obtain a Visitor's Permit (issued by Home Office through a registered firearms dealer) to possess and import limited quantities for sporting purposes, but this requires advance planning. Unauthorised importation is a serious criminal offence. HMRC and Border Force enforce these rules at all entry points.

Quantity limit

Quantity specified on Firearms Certificate or Visitor's Permit

Documentation required

• UK Firearms Certificate or Shotgun Certificate, OR
• Visitor's Permit (obtained in advance through a registered UK firearms dealer)
• Declaration to HMRC Border Force

Legal reference

Firearms Act 1968 (UK), Sections 1, 2 and 5; Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988

Transit

Transit permitted. UK Border Force generally permits transit of sporting ammunition in checked baggage for airside-only transits (sterile transit). The ammunition must remain in checked baggage, be sealed in manufacturer packaging, and the passenger must not pass through UK immigration. A Firearms Certificate is required if entering the UK.

Surrender at customs

UK Border Force accepts voluntary surrender of ammunition not covered by valid Section 1 firearms certificate. Declare at Red Channel. Firearms licensing unit notified. Proactive surrender avoids Firearms Act 1968 prosecution.

Practical advice

Apply for a Visitor's Permit well in advance through a UK registered firearms dealer — this takes weeks. Never attempt to import ammunition without the correct documentation; UK Border Force actively screens for it and prosecution can result in up to 10 years imprisonment.

Customs authority

His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) · https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs