Can temporarily imported equipment stay longer?
Check the authorised deadline and contact HMRC before it expires. Extensions are possible in exceptional circumstances; do not assume your request changes the deadline. Otherwise, arrange re-export or another discharge route, including free circulation with duty and import VAT payable. Coordinate factory return arrangements with Cambridge China Bridge.
Check the authorised deadline first
HMRC says Temporary Admission normally allows goods to remain for up to 24 months before re-export, but some categories have different limits. Check the conditions and deadline covering your actual equipment rather than treating the general maximum as your permission to stay.
Gather the approval letter, import declaration, equipment serial numbers, current location and planned return date. Our customs procedure codes guide helps you read the original entry; this guide covers what to do when the stay needs to change.
Ask about an exceptional extension
HMRC says time limits may be extended in exceptional circumstances. For an existing authorisation, its guidance allows amendments by writing to the address on your approval letter. Contact HMRC before the deadline and ask how to request an extension for your particular entry.
Explain what changed, why the equipment cannot leave as planned, the additional time requested and the proposed discharge route. Attach supporting correspondence and a revised return plan. Ask for written confirmation of the decision and applicable deadline; plan against the existing deadline while you await an answer.
Choose a discharge route if an extension will not work
Discharge means ending the Temporary Admission procedure. HMRC lists the routes below. Ask your customs agent which route fits the equipment's next use and what declarations or authorisations that route needs.
For a declaration change, use our UK customs clearance guide alongside the agent's instructions. A factory's agreement to delay collection is useful commercial evidence, but seek HMRC's decision separately.
| Route | What to arrange |
|---|---|
| Re-export outside the UK | Agree collection and destination; check whether an export licence is needed. |
| Customs warehousing | Consider this for storage before re-export; ask the agent to arrange the customs procedure. |
| Inward processing | Consider this for processing beyond repairs; explain the intended work to the agent. |
| Free circulation | Pay the duty and import VAT suspended at import; obtain a calculation before deciding. |
| Destruction | Tell HMRC before destroying the goods; agree the arrangements before booking disposal. |
Separate keeping the equipment from selling it
If the buyer now wants to keep the equipment permanently, discuss release to free circulation rather than presenting the change as a delayed return. HMRC says that route requires payment of the duty and import VAT suspended at import.
For electrical equipment, review the product documents separately using our electrical imports guide. Ask the Chinese factory for documents matching the exact model, labels and instructions before agreeing a permanent purchase.
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Keep a shared closure file
Give the buyer, customs agent and factory the same equipment list and revised plan. Record who contacts HMRC, who books transport and who checks the final customs paperwork. Keep the decision, declarations and transport evidence together.
Ask Cambridge China Bridge's staff in China to coordinate the factory's return instructions and equipment identification. If the deadline has already passed, tell the agent and HMRC immediately, provide the actual timeline and ask what action is needed. Avoid assuming a late extension will be granted.
Frequently asked questions
Can HMRC extend Temporary Admission?
HMRC says time limits may be extended in exceptional circumstances. Explain the delay and proposed exit plan, and ask for written confirmation of the decision and deadline.
Does all equipment get 24 months?
No. HMRC gives a general maximum of 24 months in most cases, but some goods have different limits. Check the conditions and deadline covering your equipment.
Can we keep temporarily imported equipment permanently?
HMRC lists release to free circulation as a discharge route. You must then pay the duty and import VAT suspended at import. Ask your agent to calculate these before deciding.
Can we destroy the equipment instead of returning it?
HMRC lists destruction as a discharge route, but you must tell HMRC before doing it. Ask your agent to agree the customs arrangements before booking disposal.