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.

How much Firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices can I bring into United Kingdom?

Restricted

You can bring Firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices into United Kingdom only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

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 Firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices in United Kingdom

Do I have to declare firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices at United Kingdom customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United Kingdom customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices 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 firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices 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 firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices out of United Kingdom?: United Kingdom publishes no separate rule for taking firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United Kingdom limit for firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices 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.
How does United Kingdom compare with other countries on firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 8 prohibit firearms, blades, explosives, toxic/radioactive materials and interception devices, 12 limit it and 0 let it through. United Kingdom is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Antique and replica weapons Banned knives and edged weapons Buddha images, artifacts/objects, antiques CITES-protected species and products Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) Consumer fireworks