Basic information
Outline of the system
The OGIL (Open General Import Licence) is a national trade control measure run by the Department for International Trade (DIT) that allows the import of firearms into the UK, subject to the exceptions it sets out.
Product coverage
The Import Licensing Branch of the Department for International Trade issues import licences on its online Import Case Management System for the import of firearms, component parts of firearms, ammunition, accessories designed or adapted to diminish the noise or flash caused by the firing of a weapon and bump stocks. Certain exclusions are listed in the Annex to the OGIL, as updated from time to time, that do not require an import licence.
Ex Chapter 93
9705000030
9705000090
9706000090
Please see Products "Firearms"
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Non-Automatic licensing to regulate imports of arms, ammunition or fissionable materials and safeguard national security
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
No, the import licensing regime is in place for public safety reasons to ensure that only those with domestic authority to possess or sell firearms, their component parts, ammunition, noise suppressors and bump stocks can import them.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
All countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Ongoing
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The Import Licensing Branch of the Department for International Trade administers the import licensing controls on firearms under conditions listed in the Open General Import Licence (OGIL). The OGIL is a national trade control measure, which allows the import of goods into the UK and sets out any applicable import controls.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Where domestic authority to possess is required, only those that hold it can import.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Import Licensing Branch, Department for International Trade
Address
Telephone
Fax
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Import Licensing Branch, Department for International Trade
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
The applications can only be submitted online via ILB's Import Case Management System. The applicant must confirm the type of firearm, where within the Firearms Act it falls, the number of firearms, the country that they originate from and the country that they are consigned from. The applicant, depending upon the type of firearm, may need to upload copies of their firearms authorities, which would need to be verified by the authority that issued them or a copy of a deactivation certificate if the firearm has been deactivated to the relevant standards.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Applications can be made at any time. Importers will run the risk, however, of having their firearms seized by UK customs if they do not have a valid import licence in place at the time of the import.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
An import licence application can be submitted at any time of the year provided that the applicant is registered and set up on the Import Licensing Branch's Import Case Management System (ICMS). Import Licencing Branch of Department of International Trade will not be able to process that request when closed on a weekend or during a public holiday.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Yes, an import licence can be granted immediately upon request. This can only be done if either a) the importer has previously had the validity and coverage of their firearms authorities verified by the UK authorities that issued them, e.g. the Police and/or Home Office or b) the firearms are not subject to domestic possession controls provided that certain conditions excluding the firearms from those controls are met and confirmed.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Whilst the application is entirely handled by the Import Licensing Branch of the Department for International Trade, we will verify the additional domestic possession documentation provided in an application with the police and/or Home Office before making a decision on granting an import licence.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
Not applicable.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Import Licencing Branch of Department of International Trade does not currently charge for the issuing of import licences.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of licences.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
Applications will be refused where the applicant does not have the necessary domestic possession authority.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
There is an appeal process
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
There is an appeal process in conjunction with the Home Office firearms unit, which is responsible for firearms policy in the UK.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Import licence plus legal documentation confirming that the individual/company complies with UK authority to possess requirements.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
Customs declarations.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The validity period of a Specific Import Licence is set up to six months from its date of issue. It can be less if the applicant's firearms authorities expire within six months. Open Individual Import Licences have a validity period that matches the validity period of their Certificate of Registration as a Firearms Dealer.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licences are not transferable between importers.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Not applicable.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
Not applicable.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
Not applicable.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
Not applicable.