Can I bring China factory samples in my suitcase?
Yes, provided you check the goods and arrange the right declaration. Samples for business use must be declared when brought into Great Britain, with no personal duty-free allowance. The simple online service cannot handle relief claims. Prepare the sample list and supporting documents with Cambridge China Bridge.
Business samples belong on a commercial declaration
This guide covers arrival in England, Scotland and Wales. HMRC requires all goods brought in to sell or use in your business to be declared, so samples for business evaluation belong on a commercial declaration. Ask your factory for an itemised sample list before you leave. Add this paperwork to your factory visit preparation, alongside photographs and supplier contact details.
Collect evidence of value, including free samples
Keep paid-sample invoices and payment records. For free samples, ask for a supplier value statement, a current export price list and a clear explanation of what each item is. Free goods normally cannot use the transaction-value method because no price is paid. Have your customs agent confirm the valuation method rather than treating a free sample as valueless. Our guide to declaring free samples covers the wider valuation issue.
Choose the declaration route before travelling
The simple online route requires total value below £2,500 and total weight below 1,000kg, excluding restricted or controlled goods and alcohol, tobacco or fuel. It is available in the 5 days before arrival. An oral declaration uses the red channel or red point phone: goods must be £2,500 or less and meet the other online criteria. Check that your arrival point has this facility before departure.
For goods requiring a full declaration, arrange submission before arrival with your customs agent. Claims for relief require a full declaration. Goods entering or leaving a customs special procedure cannot use the simple online service. Ask the agent to confirm who will record the declaration’s arrival in the Customs Declaration Service when you reach the border.
Sample relief is a separate decision
Do not select the simple online service if you intend to claim relief. Commercial sample relief depends on preparation before import and the intention to obtain future orders; calling something a sample is insufficient. Read sample duty and VAT relief before deciding whether to claim. Ask your agent to check the intended use and preparation while the goods are still at the factory.
HMRC’s sample-relief guidance also requires baggage goods to be declared at arrival with sufficient evidence that the relief conditions are met. Agree the full declaration and arrival arrangements before flying, and carry the evidence with the samples. If the supporting evidence is insufficient, HMRC requires financial security before releasing the goods.
Pack a border file with the samples
Keep descriptions, quantities, photographs, values, country of manufacture and your agent’s contact details together. After declaring all goods through the simple online service before arrival, you may use the green channel; take the declaration and receipts or invoices. For a full declaration, confirm the arrival step with your agent. Separately, ask the airline about carrying the actual contents, especially batteries, liquids or fragile items, before choosing suitcase transport.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to declare factory samples in my luggage?
Yes, if you bring them into Great Britain for business use. HMRC requires all commercial goods to be declared, with no personal duty-free allowance.
What value do I declare for free factory samples?
Have your agent establish the customs value. Collect a supplier value statement and export price list. Free goods normally cannot use the transaction-value method because no price is paid.
Can I claim sample relief through the online baggage service?
No. The simple online service excludes relief claims. Arrange a full declaration and carry evidence supporting the relief claim for arrival.
Can I declare samples when I land?
An oral declaration is available at a red channel or red point phone for goods worth £2,500 or less that meet the other online criteria. Check the facility before departure; arrange any required full declaration beforehand.