Do I have to declare prohibited telecommunications equipment at United Kingdom customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to United Kingdom customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare prohibited telecommunications equipment in United Kingdom?

Under Travellers' Allowances Order 1994, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. The normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs and Excise Management Act 1979, section 167, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence; the goods are confiscated.

Can I take prohibited telecommunications equipment out of United Kingdom?

United Kingdom publishes no separate rule for taking prohibited telecommunications equipment out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United Kingdom limit for prohibited telecommunications equipment apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) / Border Force states it in Restricted and controlled goods for merchandise in baggage. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Cordless telephones designed for use on frequencies of not more than 853 MHz is prohibited unless imported under an authority issued by OFCOM”

How does United Kingdom compare with other countries on prohibited telecommunications equipment?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 7 prohibit prohibited telecommunications equipment, 12 limit it and 1 let it through. United Kingdom is among the ones that set a limit.

Can I bring prohibited telecommunications equipment to United Kingdom?

Official classification: Prohibited telecommunication equipment

Restricted

You can bring prohibited telecommunications equipment into United Kingdom only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Restricted and controlled goods for merchandise in baggage GOV.UK — HM Revenue & Customs

Questions about Prohibited telecommunications equipment in United Kingdom

Do I have to declare prohibited telecommunications equipment at United Kingdom customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United Kingdom customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare prohibited telecommunications equipment in United Kingdom?: Under Travellers' Allowances Order 1994, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. The normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs and Excise Management Act 1979, section 167, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence; the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship prohibited telecommunications equipment to United Kingdom instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take prohibited telecommunications equipment out of United Kingdom?: United Kingdom publishes no separate rule for taking prohibited telecommunications equipment out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United Kingdom limit for prohibited telecommunications equipment apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) / Border Force states it in Restricted and controlled goods for merchandise in baggage. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Cordless telephones designed for use on frequencies of not more than 853 MHz is prohibited unless imported under an authority issued by OFCOM”
How does United Kingdom compare with other countries on prohibited telecommunications equipment?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 7 prohibit prohibited telecommunications equipment, 12 limit it and 1 let it through. United Kingdom is among the ones that set a limit.

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