A2.5 Customs Declaration¶
UK Customs Declaration (202510)
Please note: Declaration methods and specific requirements can change. Therefore, it is essential to stay updated with official announcements and always follow the official guidance.
Most ports and airports in the UK have three exits or channels: the Red Channel, the Green Channel, and the Blue Channel. A small number of airport and port arrival points have only one exit and a Red Point phone for making declarations directly.
The meaning of the coloured channels or exits is as follows:
Blue Channel: This is for travellers returning to the UK from a trip within the EU who are not carrying goods above the duty-free allowances, prohibited items, or goods to declare. You should use this exit. Customs may occasionally conduct spot checks.
Green Channel: This is for travellers arriving in the UK from a country outside the EU who have not carried cash above the allowable limit, prohibited items, or goods for commercial purposes. You should use this channel if you have nothing to declare. Customs officers may select a portion of travellers for baggage checks to verify this.
Red Channel or Red Point phone: This is for declaring goods to UK Customs. You must use the Red Channel or the Red Point telephone if you are carrying cash above the permitted threshold, commercial goods, or other items that exceed your allowance and need to be declared.