Import Controls

Most goods produced in the UK, or properly imported into the UK, can be brought into the Isle of Man without further customs formalities. Goods imported directly to the Island from a place other than the UK are subject to similar import prohibitions, restrictions and licensing that would apply if they were imported into the UK.

Under Manx law, virtually everything imported into the Isle of Man from another country requires an import licence. However, most goods imported into the Isle of Man are covered by an open general licence, meaning that you do not need to apply for individual licences to import your goods.

Prohibited goods

There are goods which are prohibited from being imported. These include:

• Controlled drugs (also see the Misuse of Drugs Act 1976)
  
  
• Offensive weapons (also see Firearms imports and exports)
  
  
• Tobacco products for oral use
  
  
• Obscene materials such as books, magazines, films, videos, DVDs and software
  
  
• Prohibited munitions (see the Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) Act 2010)
  
  
• Unmarked plastic explosives (Montreal Convention 1991)
  
  
• Wild animals – including non-native species and certain dog breeds such as the XL Bully (also see Import and export of exotic animals and endangered species)
  
  
• Cat and dog fur
  
  
• Psychoactive substances (also see the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (Application) Order 2016 and the UK guidance)
  
  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods and counterfeit currency

Restricted goods

There are goods that are restricted and can only be imported under a licence or certificate. These include:

• Firearms and other weapons
  
  
• Controlled drugs (also see the Misuse of Drugs Act 1976)
  
  
• Human medicine
  
  
• Animals and animal products – including endangered species (also see Import and export of exotic animals and endangered species)
  
  
• Plants and plant products (also see Importation of Food and animal products into the Island)
  
  
• High risk food
  
  
• Veterinary medicines
  
  
• Waste (also see Import & Export of Waste)
  
  
• Products containing F gas (also see ODS/F-Gas regulations)
  
  
• Precursor chemicals
  
  
• Hazardous chemicals
  
  
• Nuclear material
  
  
• Weapons and goods that could be used for torture or capital punishment (also see Strategic Export and Trade Controls)
  
  
• Anti-personnel mines
  
  
• Uncut (rough) diamonds

Goods requiring a declaration

You are required to make a declaration of certain goods at the time of importation into the Island from anywhere including the UK.

Cash

You are required to declare cash imports of more than £10,000 (or equivalent in other currency). For more information see:

Fireworks

You are required to provide the following information to Customs and Immigration prior to importing fireworks:

1. Importers name and address
2. The name of the person who is to store the fireworks following their importation, and
3. The address of the premises at which the fireworks are to be stored following their importation

Sanctioned goods

There are also prohibitions and restrictions on the import and export of goods under sanctions legislation.

Intellectual Property

The following goods may be seized and you may be prosecuted by the intellectual property right holder:

• Counterfeit, pirated and patent-infringing goods such as clothing, footwear and designer goods imported from other countries

How to obtain an import licence or certificate

You may need to contact other Isle of Man Government Departments to apply for an import licence, and this will depend on the type of goods.

General licences may also be available depending on the type of goods you wish to import. You should refer to the guidance above in relation to the type of goods.

Further Information

If you require further guidance, you should refer to the notices and guidance documents in the relevant areas of this section or contact us:

Email: customs@gov.im

Telephone: +44 1624 648100