Counterfeit Goods → United Kingdom

Illegal to import counterfeit goods

Details

UK Border Force seizes counterfeit goods under the Trade Marks Act 1994 and Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Commercial-quantity counterfeits attract criminal penalties up to 10 years imprisonment. For personal-use quantities, goods are confiscated and may result in civil damages claims by rights holders. The Border Force IP Rights Policy centralises enforcement.

Quantity limit

Any quantity prohibited; HMRC/Border Force seize under Trade Marks Act 1994 and Customs and Excise Management Act 1979

Documentation required

• No import permits available for counterfeit goods
• Border Force seizure notice issued on confiscation

Legal reference

Trade Marks Act 1994

Surrender at customs

UK Border Force accepts voluntary surrender of counterfeit goods. Declare at Red Channel. Seizure notice issued. Proactive surrender avoids civil fine under Trade Marks Act 1994 §89.

Practical advice

Do not carry counterfeit branded goods into United Kingdom. UK Border Force seizes counterfeits at all ports of entry under IPR enforcement rules; commercial-quantity carriage attracts criminal-trafficking charges in addition to civil forfeiture.

Customs authority

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