Customs and Excise Management Act 1979

Part I U.K. Preliminary

1 Interpretation. U.K.

(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—

• “aerodrome” means any area of land or water designed, equipped, set apart of commonly used for affording facilities for the landing and departure of aircraft;

• F1 ...

• “approved wharf” has the meaning given by [F2 section 20A] below;

• “armed forces” means the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the regular army and the regular air force, and any reserve or auxiliary force of any of those services which has been called out on permanent service, F3 ... or embodied;

• [F4 “assigned matter” means any matter in relation to which the Commissioners, or officers of Revenue and Customs, have a power or duty [F5 , except that it does not include any matter relating to a devolved tax within the meaning of the Scotland Act 1998 [F6 or the Government of Wales Act 2006];]]

• “boarding station” means a boarding station for the time being appointed under section 19 below;

• “boundary” means the land boundary of Northern Ireland;

• “British ship” means a British ship within the meaning of the [F7 Merchant Shipping Act 1995]

• “claimant”, in relation to proceedings for the condemnation of any thing as being forfeited, means a person claiming that the thing is not liable to forfeiture;

• F8 ...

• “commander”, in relation to an aircraft, includes any person having or taking the charge or command of the aircraft;

• [F9 “the Commissioners” means the Commissioners for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs]

• F10 ...

• “container” includes any bundle or package and any [F11 baggage,] box, cask or other receptacle whatsoever;

• “the customs and excise Acts” means the Customs and Excise Acts 1979 and any other enactment for the time being in force relating to customs or excise;

• [F12 “customs formalities”, in relation to any goods, means the requirements made by or under this Act, or by or under Part 1 of the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018, that apply in relation to the importation or exportation of the goods;]

• [F12 “customs warehouse” means premises approved under regulations under Schedule 2 to the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 for the purposes of a storage procedure;]

• “the Customs and Excise Acts 1979” means—

  • this Act,

  • the M1 Customs and Excise Duties (General Reliefs) Act 1979,

  • the M2 Alcoholic Liquor Duties Act 1979,

  • the M3 Hydrocarbon Oil Duties Act 1979,

  • F13 ... and

  • the M4 Tobacco Products Duty Act 1979;

  • [F14 and references (however expressed) to the Customs and Excise Acts 1979, or to the group of Acts included in the Customs and Excise Acts 1979, include references to Part 2 of the Finance (No. 2) Act 2023 (alcohol duty);]

• F15 ...

• “customs and excise airport” has the meaning given by section 21(7) below;

• “customs and excise station” has the meaning given by section 26 below;

• [F16 “designation order” has the meaning given by section 100A(5);]

• “drawback goods” means goods in the case of which a claim for drawback has been or is to be made;

• “dutiable goods”, except in the expression “dutiable or restricted goods ”, means goods of a class or description subject to any duty of customs or excise, whether or not those goods are in fact chargeable with that duty, and whether or not that duty has been paid thereon;

• “dutiable or restricted goods” has the meaning given by section 52 below;

• “examination station ” has the meaning given by [F17 section 22A] below;

• [F18 “excise duty point” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Finance (No. 2) Act 1992;]

• “excise licence trade” means, subject to subsection (5) below, a trade or business for the carrying on of which an excise licence is required;

• “excise warehouse” means a place of security approved by the Commissioners under subsection (1) F19 ... of section 92 below, and, except in that section, also includes a distiller’s warehouse;

• “exporter”, in relation to goods for exportation or for use as stores, includes the shipper of the goods and any person performing in relation to an aircraft functions corresponding with those of a shipper;

• [F20 “free zone” has the meaning given by section 100A(2);

• [F21 “free zone goods” are goods which are within a free zone;]

• F22 ...

• “goods ” includes stores and [F23 containers];

• “holiday”, in relation to any part of the United Kingdom, means any day that is a bank holiday in that part of the United Kingdom under the M5 Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, Christmas Day, Good Friday and the day appointed for the purposes of customs and excise for the celebration of Her Majesty’s birthday;

• “hovercraft” means a hovercraft within the meaning of the M6 Hovercraft Act 1968;

• “importer”, in relation to any goods at any time between their importation and the time when [F24 all customs formalities have been complied with in respect of the goods], includes any owner or other person for the time being possessed of or beneficially interested in the goods and, in relation to goods imported by means of a pipe-line, includes the owner of the pipe-line;

• “justice” and “justice of the peace ” in Scotland includes a sheriff and in Northern Ireland, in relation to any powers and duties which can under any enactment for the time being in force be exercised and performed only by a resident magistrate, means a resident magistrate;

• “land” and “landing”, in relation to aircraft, include alighting on water;

• “law officer of the Crown” means the Attorney General or [F25 for the purpose of criminal proceedings in Scotland, the Lord Advocate or, for the purpose of civil proceedings in Scotland, the appropriate Law Officer within the meaning of section 4A of the Crown Suits (Scotland) Act 1857] or in Northern Ireland the Attorney General for Northern Ireland;

• “licence year”, in relation to an excise licence issuable annually, means the period of 12 months ending on the date on which that licence expires in any year;

• “master”, in relation to a ship, includes any person having or taking the charge or command of the ship;

• F26 ...

• “night” means the period between 11 pm and 5 am;

• [F27 “nuclear material” has the same meaning as in the Nuclear Material (Offences) Act 1983 (see section 6 of that Act);]

• “occupier”, in relation to any bonded premises, [F28 includes any] person who has given security to the Crown in respect of those premises;

• “officer” means, subject to section 8(2) below, a person commissioned by the Commissioners;

• “owner”, in relation to an aircraft, includes the operator of the aircraft;

• “owner”, in relation to a pipe-line, means (except in the case of a pipe-line vested in the Crown which in pursuance of arrangements in that behalf is operated by another) the person in whom the line is vested and, in the said excepted case, means the person operating the line;

• [F29 “perfect entry” means an entry made in accordance with [F30 regulation 5 of the Customs Controls on Importation of Goods Regulations 1991] or warehousing regulations, as the case may require;]

• “pipe-line” has the meaning given by section 65 of the M7 Pipe-lines Act 1962 (that Act being taken, for the purposes of this definition, to extend to Northern Ireland);

• “port” means a port appointed by the Commissioners under section 19 below;

• “prescribed area” means such an area in Northen Ireland adjoining the boundary as the Commissioners may by regulations prescribe;

• “prescribed sum”, in relation to the penalty provided for an offence, has the meaning given by section 171(2) below;

• “prohibited or restricted goods” means goods of a class or description of which the importation, exportation or carriage coastwise is for the time being prohibited or restricted under or by virtue of any enactment;

• “proper”, in relation to the person by, with or to whom, or the place at which, anything is to be done, means the person or place appointed or authorised in that behalf by the Commissioners;

• “proprietor”, in relation to any goods, includes any owner, importer, exporter, shipping or other person for the time being possessed of or beneficially interested in those goods;

• “Queen’s warehouse” means any place provided by the Crown or appointed by the Commissioners for the deposit of goods for security thereof and of the duties chargeable thereon;

• [F31 “railway customs area” has the meaning given by section 26(1ZA)(c);]

• [F32 “registered excise dealer and shipper” means a revenue trader approved and registered by the Commissioners under section 100G below;

• “registered excise dealers and shippers regulations” means regulations under section 100G below;]

• [F33 “regulated aerodrome” has the meaning given by section 21(6A);]

• [F34 “representative”, in relation to any person from whom the Commissioners assess an amount as being excise duty due, means his personal representative, trustee in bankruptcy [F35 , trustee or interim trustee in a sequestration], any receiver or liquidator appointed in relation to him or any of his property or any other person acting in a representative capacity in relation to him;]

• “the revenue trade provisions of the customs and excise Acts” means—

  (a)

  the provisions of the customs and excise Acts relating to the protection, security, collection or management of the revenues derived from the duties of excise on goods produced or manufactured in the United Kingdom;

  (b)

  the provisions of the customs and excise Acts relating to any activity or facility for the carrying on or provision of which an excise licence is required; F36 ...

  (c)

  the provisions of the M8 Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1972 (so far as not included in paragraph (b) above) [F37 ; F38 ...

  (d)

  the provisions of Chapter II of Part I of the Finance Act 1993;]

  (e)

  [F39 the provisions of sections 10 to 15 of, and Schedule 1 to, the Finance Act 1997;]

  (f)

  [F40 the provisions of Part 1 of Schedule 24 to the Finance Act 2012;]

  (g)

  [F41 the provisions of Part 3 of the Finance Act 2014;]

• “revenue trader” means

  (a)

  F42 any person carrying on a trade or business subject to any of the revenue trade provisions of the customs and excise Acts [F43 or which consists of or includes—

  (i)

  the buying, selling, importation, exportation, dealing in or handling of any goods of a class or description which is subject to a duty of excise (whether or not duty is chargeable on the goods); F44 ...]

  (ia)

  [F45 the buying, selling, importation, exportation, dealing in or handling of tickets or chances on the taking of which lottery duty is or will be chargeable; F46 ...]

  (ib)

  [F47 being (within the meaning of sections 10 to 15 of the Finance Act 1997) the provider of any premises for gaming;

  (ic)

  the organisation, management or promotion of [F48 any activity that constitutes betting or gaming for the purposes of Part 3 of the Finance Act 2014 (see sections 150, 183 and 188)]]

  (id)

  [F49 being responsible for premises where relevant machines are located (within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 24 to the Finance Act 2012); or]

  (ie)

  [F50 the management or administration of any Chapter 1 stake fund, Chapter 2 stake fund or gaming prize fund within the meaning of Part 3 of the Finance Act 2014 (see sections 134, 143 and 154);]

  (ii)

  the financing or facilitation of any such transactions or activities [F51 as are mentioned in sub-paragraph (i) [F52 , (ia), (ib) [F53 , (ic) [F54 , (id) or (ie)]]] above],

  , whether or not that trade or business is an excise licence trade, [F55 ; and

  (b)

  any person who is a wholesaler or an occupier of an excise warehouse (so far as not included in paragraph (a) above),

  and includes a registered club];

• “ship” and “vessel” include any boat or other vessel whatsoever (and, to the extent provided in section 2 below, any hovercraft);

• “shipment” includes loading into an aircraft, and “shipped ” and cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly;

• “stores” means, subject to subsection (4) below, goods for use in a [F56 ship, aircraft or railway vehicle] and includes fuel and spare parts and other articles of equipment, whether or not for immediate fitting;

• [F57 “temporary storage facility” has the meaning given by section 25A;]

• “tons register” means the tons of a ship’s net tonnage as ascertained and registered according to the tonnage regulations of the [F58 Merchant Shipping Act 1995] or, in the case of a ship which is not registered under that Act, ascertained in like manner as if it were to be so registered;

• “transit goods”, [F59 means chargeable goods declared for a transit procedure;]

• F60 ...

• F61 ...

• [F62 “tribunal” means the First-tier Tribunal or, where determined by or under Tribunal Procedure Rules, the Upper Tribunal;]

• [F63 “United Kingdom waters”means any waters (including inland waters) within the seaward limits of the territorial sea of the United Kingdom;]

• [F64 “vehicle” includes—

  (a)

  a ship,

  (b)

  an aircraft, and

  (c)

  a railway vehicle;

  and any reference to goods being in or on board a vehicle include their being conveyed by the vehicle (for example, by being on or otherwise attached to it);]

• [F65 “vehicle operator” means—

  (a)

  in the case a ship, the master of the ship,

  (b)

  in the case of an aircraft, the commander of the aircraft,

  (c)

  in the case of a railway vehicle, the person designated as train manager by the person operating the international service on which the railway vehicle is engaged, and

  (d)

  in the case of any other vehicle, the person in charge of the vehicle;]

• F66 ...

• “warehouse”, except in the expressions “Queen’s warehouse” and “distiller’s warehouse”, means a place of security approved by the Commissioners under subsection (1) F67 ... of section 92 below and, except in that section, also includes a distiller’s warehouse; and “warehoused ” and cognate expressions shall, subject to F68 ... [F69 any regulations made by virtue of section 93(2)(da)(i) or (ee) or (4) below], be construed accordingly;

• “warehousing regulations” means regulations under section 93 below.

(2) This Act and the other Acts included in the Customs and Excise Acts 1979 shall be construed as one Act but where a provision of this Act refers to this Act that reference is not to be construed as including a reference to any of the others.

(3) Any expression used in this Act or in any instrument made under this Act to which a meaning is given by any other Act included in the Customs and Excise Acts 1979 has, except where the context otherwise requires, the same meaning in this Act or any such instrument as in that Act; and for ease of reference the Table below indicates the expressions used in this Act to which a meaning is given by any other such Act—

• F70 ...

• Hydrocarbon Oil Duties Act 1979

• “rebate ”

• “refinery ”

  Tobacco Products Duty Act 1979

• “tobacco products ”

[F71 (3ZA) Any expression used in this Act or in any instrument made under this Act to which a meaning is given by Part 2 of the Finance (No. 2) Act 2023 (alcohol duty) has, except where the context otherwise requires, the same meaning in this Act or any such instrument as in that Part; and for ease of reference the following is a list of the expressions concerned—

• “alcoholic product”

• “beer”

• “cider”

• “other fermented product”

• “spirits”

• “wholesaler”

• “wine”.]

[F72 (3A) Any expression used in this Act or in any instrument made under this Act to which a meaning is given by Part 1 of the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 has, except where the context otherwise requires, the same meaning in this Act or any such instrument as in that Part; and for ease of reference the following is a list of the expressions concerned—

• “the applicable export provisions”

• “authorised use procedure”

• “chargeable goods”

• “Customs declaration” (including any expression relating to a Customs declaration such as the documents accompanying it or its acceptance)

• “Customs procedure” (including expressions relating to a Customs procedure such as goods being released to or discharged from the procedure)

• “inward processing procedure”

• “storage procedure”

• “territory outside the United Kingdom”

• “temporary admission procedure”

• “transit procedure”.]

[F73 (4) Goods for use in a ship or aircraft as merchandise for sale to persons carried in the ship or aircraft shall be treated for the purposes of the customs and excise Acts as stores if, and only if—

(a) the goods are to be sold by retail either—

(i) in the course of a [F74 journey made by the ship or aircraft], or

(ii) for consumption on board;

and

(b) the goods are not treated as exported by virtue of regulations under section 12 of the M9 Customs and Excise Duties (General Reliefs) Act 1979 (goods for use in naval ships or establishments).

F75 (4A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4B) In relation to goods treated as stores by virtue of subsection (4) above, any reference in the customs and excise Acts to the consumption of stores shall be construed as referring to the sale of the goods as mentioned in paragraph (a) of that subsection.]

(5) A person who deals in or sells tobacco products in the course of a trade or business carried on by him shall be deemed for the purposes of this Act to be carrying on an excise licence trade (and to be a revenue trader) notwithstanding that no excise licence is required for carrying on that trade or business.

(6) In computing for the purposes of this Act any period expressed therein as a period of clear days no account shall be taken of the day of the event from which the period is computed or of any Sunday or holiday.

F76 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

F1 Definition in s. 1(1) repealed (1.1.1993) by S.I. 1992/3095, regs. 3(1), 10(2), Sch. 2.

F2 Words in s. 1(1) substituted (1.1.1992) by S.I. 1991/2724, reg. 6(2)(a)

F3 S. 1(1): words in definition of "armed forces" omitted (1.1.1999) by virtue of S.I. 1998/3086, art. 10(3)

F4 Words in s. 1(1) substituted (18.4.2005) by Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 (c. 11), s. 53(1), Sch. 4 para. 22(a); S.I. 2005/1126, art. 2(2)(h)

F5 Words in s. 1(1) inserted (1.7.2012) by Scotland Act 2012 (c. 11), ss. 24(7), 44(2)(b)

F6 Words in s. 1(1) inserted (17.2.2015) by Wales Act 2014 (c. 29), ss. 7(1), 29(2)(b)(3)

F7 S. 1(1): words in definition of "British ship" substituted (1.1.1996) by 1995 c. 21, ss. 314(2), 316(2), Sch. 13 para. 53(2)(a) (with s. 312(1))

F8 Words in s. 1(1) omitted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 4(2)(a) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F9 Words in s. 1(1) substituted (18.4.2005) by Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 (c. 11), s. 53(1), Sch. 4 para. 22(b); S.I. 2005/1126, art. 2(2)(h)

F10 Words in s. 1(1) omitted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 4(2)(b) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F11 Word in s. 1(1) inserted (21.7.2008) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 117(2)

F12 Words in s. 1(1) inserted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 4(2)(c) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F13 Words in s. 1(1) repealed (1.1.1993) by Finance (No. 2) Act 1992 (c. 48), s. 82, Sch. 18 Pt. 2.

F14 Words in s. 1(1) inserted (1.8.2023) by Finance (No. 2) Act 2023 (c. 30), s. 120(2), Sch. 13 para. 2(2); S.I. 2023/884, reg. 2(1)(j) (with reg. 10)

F15 In s. 1(1): definition of "custom warehouse" omitted (01.01.1992) by virtue of S.I. 1991/2725, reg. 3(2)(a)

F16 Definition inserted by Finance Act 1984 (c. 43, SIF 40:1), s. 8, Sch. 4 Pt. 2 para. 1

F17 Words in s. 1(1) substituted (1.1.1992) by S.I. 1991/2724, reg. 6(2)(b)

F18 Definition in s. 1(1) inserted (1.12.1992 in so far as mentioned in S.I. 1992/2979, art. 4 and 1.1.1993 in so far as then not already in force) by Finance (No. 2) Act 1992 (c. 48), s. 1(5), Sch. 1 para. 1; S.I. 1992/2979, art. 4, Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 1992/3261, art. 3, Sch.

F19 Words in s. 1(1) omitted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 4(2)(d) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F20 Definitions inserted by Finance Act 1984 (c. 43, SIF 40:1), s. 8, Sch. 4 Pt. 2 para. 1

F21 S. 1(1): definition of "free zone goods" substituted (1.9.1994) by 1994 c. 23, ss. 100(1), 101(1), Sch. 14 para. 6

F22 In s. 1(1): definition of "free zone regulations" omitted (1.1.1992) by virtue of S.I. 1991/2727, reg. 4(b)

F23 Word in s. 1(1) substituted (17.7.2013) by Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), s. 225

F24 Words in s. 1(1) substituted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 4(2)(e) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F25 S. 1(1): words in definition of “law officer of the Crown” substituted (20.5.1999) by S.I. 1999/1042, arts. 1(2)(b), 4, Sch. 2 Pt. 1 para. 6; S.I. 1998/3178, art. 2(2), Sch. 4

F26 Definition repealed by Territorial Sea Act 1987 (c. 49, SIF 29:1), s. 3, Sch. 2

F27 Words in s. 1(1) inserted (30.11.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 153(7), Sch. 17 para. 8(2); S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2(q)

F28 Words in s. 1(1) substituted (9.12.1992) by Finance (No. 2) Act 1992 (c. 48), s. 3(1), Sch. 2 para. 1(a); S.I. 1992/3104, art. 2(1).

F29 Definition repealed by Finance Act 1981 (c. 35, SIF 40:1), Sch. 19 Pt. 1

F30 Words in s. 1(1) substituted (1.1.1993) by S.I. 1992/3095, reg. 10(1), Sch. 1 para. 2.

F31 Words in s. 1(1) inserted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 4(2)(f) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F32 Definitions in s. 1(1) inserted (25.7.1991) by Finance Act 1991 (c. 31), s. 11(1)

F33 Words in s. 1(1) inserted (11.7.2023) by Finance (No. 2) Act 2023 (c. 30), s. 340(2)

F34 S. 1(1): definition of "representative" inserted (1.6.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 50(2), Sch. 6 para. 2(4); S.I. 1997/1305, art. 2

F35 Words in s. 1(1) substituted (30.11.2016) by The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/1034), art. 1, Sch. 1 para. 3

F36 Word in s. 1(1)(b) of definition of “revenue trade provisions” repealed (1.12.1993) by 1993 c. 34, ss. 30(2)(a), 213, Sch. 23 Pt. 1(7) (with s. 40(2)(3)); S.I. 1993/2842, art. 3(1).

F37 S. 1(1): para. (d) and word in definition of “revenue trade provisions” inserted (1.12.1993) by 1993 c. 34, s. 30(2)(b) (with s. 40(2)(3)); S.I. 1993/2842, art. 3(1).

F38 S. 1(1): word in para. (c) of the definition of "the revenue trade provisions of the customs and excise Acts" repealed (19.3.1997 with effect in relation to any gaming on or after 1.10.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113(1), Sch. 18 Pt. 2, Note 2

F39 S. 1(1): in definition of "the revenue trade provisions of the custom and excise Acts" para. (e) inserted (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, ss. 13(2), 15, Sch. 2 Pt. 1 para. 2(2)

F40 Words in s. 1(1) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 66(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 24 para. 41(2)

F41 Words in s. 1(1) inserted (1.12.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 11(2) (with Sch. 29)

F42 S. 1(1): words renumbered as para. (a) in definition of “revenue trader” by Finance Act 1981 (c. 35, SIF 40:1), s. 11, Sch. 8 Pt. 1 para. 1(1)

F43 Words in s. 1(1) inserted (25.7.1991) by Finance Act 1991 (c. 31), s. 11(2)

F44 S. 1(1): word in para. (a)(i) of definition of “revenue trader” repealed (1.12.1993) by 1993 c. 34, s. 30(3)(a), 213, Sch. 23 Pt. 1(7) (with ss. 40(2)(3)); S.I. 1993/2842, art. 3(1).

F45 S. 1(1): para. (ia) of definition of “revenue trader” inserted (1.12.1993) by 1993 c. 34, s. 30(3)(b) (with s. 40(2)(3)); S.I. 1993/2842, art. 3(1).

F46 S. 1(1): word in para. (a)(ia) of the definition of "revenue trader" repealed (19.3.1997 with effect in relation to any gaming on or after 1.10.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 113(1), Sch. 18 Pt. 2, Note 2

F47 S. 1(1): para. (a)(ib)(ic) in definition of "revenue trader" inserted (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, ss. 13(2), 15, Sch. 2 Pt. 1 para. 2(3)

F48 Words in s. 1(1) substituted (1.12.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 11(3)(a) (with Sch. 29)

F49 Words in s. 1(1) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 66(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 24 para. 41(3)(b)

F50 Words in s. 1(1) inserted (1.12.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 11(3)(b) (with Sch. 29)

F51 S. 1(1): words in para. (c) of definition of “revenue trader ” inserted (1.12.1993) by 1993 c. 34, s. 30(3)(c) (with s. 40(2)(3)); S.I. 1993/2842, art. 3(1).

F52 S. 1(1): words in para. (a)(ii) of definition of "revenue trader" substituted (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, ss. 13(2), 15, Sch. 2 Pt. 1 para. 2(4)

F53 Words in s. 1(1) substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 66(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 24 para. 41(3)(c)

F54 Words in s. 1(1) substituted (1.12.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 198(2)(c), Sch. 28 para. 11(3)(c) (with Sch. 29)

F55 Words substituted by Finance Act 1981 (c. 35, SIF 40:1), s. 11, Sch. 8 Pt. 1 para. 1(1)

F56 Words in s. 1(1) substituted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 4(2)(g) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F57 Words in s. 1(1) inserted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 4(2)(h) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F58 S. 1(1): words in definition of "tons register" substituted (1.1.1996) by 1995 c. 21, ss. 314(2), 316(2), Sch. 13 para. 53(2)(b) (with s. 312(1))

F59 Words in s. 1(1) substituted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 4(2)(i) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F60 Words in s. 1(1) omitted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 4(2)(j) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F61 Words in s. 1(1) omitted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 4(2)(k) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F62 Words in s. 1 added (1.4.2009) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions and Revenue and Customs Appeals Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/56), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 89

F63 Definition inserted by Territorial Sea Act 1987 (c. 49, SIF 29:1), s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 4(1)

F64 Words in s. 1(1) substituted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 4(2)(l) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F65 Words in s. 1(1) inserted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 4(2)(m) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F66 Words in s. 1(1) omitted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 4(2)(n) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F67 Words in s. 1(1) omitted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 4(2)(o)(i) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F68 Words in s. 1(1) omitted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 4(2)(o)(ii) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F69 Words in s. 1(1) inserted (9.12.1992) by Finance (No. 2) Act 1992 (c. 48), s. 3(1), Sch. 2 para. 1(b); S.I. 1992/3104, art. 2(1).

F70 Words in s. 1(3) omitted (1.8.2023) by virtue of Finance (No. 2) Act 2023 (c. 30), s. 120(2), Sch. 13 para. 2(3); S.I. 2023/884, reg. 2(1)(j) (with reg. 10)

F71 S. 1(3ZA) inserted (1.8.2023) by Finance (No. 2) Act 2023 (c. 30), s. 120(2), Sch. 13 para. 2(4); S.I. 2023/884, reg. 2(1)(j) (with reg. 10)

F72 S. 1(3A) inserted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 4(3) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F73 S. 1(4)(4A)(4B) substituted for s. 1(4) (deemed to have come into force on 1.7.1999 but shall not have effect in relation to any shipment of goods before that date) by 1999 c. 16, s. 10(1)(2)

F74 Words in s. 1(4)(a)(i) substituted (1.4.2015) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 21 para. 1(2), 10; S.I. 2015/812, art. 2

F75 S. 1(4A) omitted (1.4.2015) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 21 para. 1(3), 10; S.I. 2015/812, art. 2

F76 S. 1(7) omitted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 4(4) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 1 amended by S.I. 1987/2114, reg. 2

C2 S. 1 modified (30.10.2003) by Export Control Act 2002 (c. 28), ss. 11(4), 16(2) (with s. 16(7)); S.I. 2003/2629, art. 2(1)

C3 S. 1: power to extend conferred (30.11.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 153(7), Sch. 17 para. 9(1); S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2(q)

C4 S. 1(1) applied (26.6.2017) by The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/692), regs. 1(2), 89(4)(b) (with regs. 8, 15)

Marginal Citations

M1 1979 c. 3.

M2 1979 c. 4.

M3 1979 c. 5.

M4 1979 c. 7.

M5 1971 c. 80.

M6 1968 c. 59.

M7 1962 c. 58.

M8 1972 c. 25.

M9 1979 c.3.

2 Application to hovercraft. U.K.

(1) This Part, Parts III to VII and Parts X to XII of this Act shall apply as if references to ships or vessels [F77 (including references, without more, to vehicles)] included references to hovercraft, and the said Parts III to VII shall apply in relation to an approved wharf or [F78 temporary storage facility] which is not in a port as if it were in a port.

(2) All other provisions of the customs and excise Acts shall apply as if references (however expressed) to goods or passengers carried in or moved by ships or vessels included references to goods or passengers carried in or moved by hovercraft.

(3) In all the provisions of the customs and excise Acts “landed ”, “loaded ”, “master ”, “shipped ”, “shipped as stores ”,F79 ... “voyage ”, “waterborne ” and cognate expressions shall be construed in accordance with subsections (1) and (2) above.

(4) References in the customs and excise Acts to goods imported or exported by land, or conveyed into or out of Northern Ireland by land, include references to goods imported, exported or conveyed across any part of the boundary of Northern Ireland; and it is hereby declared that in those Acts references to vehicles include references to hovercraft proceeding over land or water or partly over land and partly over water.

(5) Any power of making regulations or other instruments relating to the importation or exportation of goods conferred by the customs and excise Acts may be exercised so as to make provision for the importation or exportation of goods by hovercraft which is different from the provision made for the importation or exportation of goods by other means.

Textual Amendments

F77 Words in s. 2(1) inserted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 5(2)(a) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F78 Words in s. 2(1) substituted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 5(2)(b) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F79 Word in s. 2(3) omitted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 5(3) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

3 Application to pipe-lines. U.K.

(1) In the customs and excise Acts “shipping ” and “loading ” and cognate expressions, where used in relation to importation or exportation, include, in relation to importation or exportation by means of a pipe-line, the conveyance of goods by means of the pipe-line and the charging and discharging of goods into and from the pipe-line, but subject to any necessary modifications.

(2) In the customs and excise Acts “importer ”, in relation to goods imported by means of a pipe-line, includes the owner of the pipe-line.

(3) Any power of making regulations or other instruments relating to the importation or exportation of goods conferred by the customs and excise Acts may be exercised so as to make provision for the importation or exportation of goods by means of a pipe-line which is different from the provision made for the importation or exportation of goods by other means.

4 Application to certain Crown aircraft. U.K.

(1) The provisions of the Customs and Excise Acts 1979 relating to aircraft shall apply in relation to any aircraft belonging to or employed in the service of Her Majesty other than a military aircraft.

(2) In this section “military aircraft ” includes naval and air force aircraft and any aircraft commanded by a person in naval, military or air force service detailed for the purpose of such command.

5 Time of importation, exportation, etc. U.K.

(1) The provisions of this section shall have effect for the purposes of the customs and excise Acts.

(2) Subject to [F80 subsections (2A)] and (6) below, the time of importation of any goods shall be deemed to be—

(a) where the goods are brought by sea, the time when the ship carrying them comes within the limits of a port;

(b) where the goods are brought by air, the time when the aircraft carrying them lands in the United Kingdom or the time when the goods are unloaded in the United Kingdom, whichever is the earlier;

(c) where the goods are brought by land, the time when the goods [F81 enter the United Kingdom].

[F82 (2A) If there is a relevant international arrangement with a country or territory outside the United Kingdom, the Commissioners may by regulations provide for the time of importation of any goods to be a time—

(a) which is earlier than the times set out in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of subsection (2), and

(b) which is specified by reference to movement in or out of an area in the country or territory.

(2B) “Relevant international arrangement” means an arrangement between Her Majesty’s government in the United Kingdom and the government of the country or territory which includes provision in relation to the time at which goods are to be regarded as imported into the United Kingdom.]

F83 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) Subject to subsections (5)[F84 , (5A)] and (7) below, the time of exportation of any goods from the United Kingdom shall be deemed to be—

(a) where the goods are exported by sea or air, the time when the goods are shipped for exportation;

(b) where the goods are exported by land, the time when they are cleared by the proper officer at the last customs and excise station on their way to the boundary.

(5) In the case of goods of a class or description with respect to the exportation of which any prohibition or restriction is for the time being in force under or by virtue of any enactment which are exported by sea or air, the time of exportation shall be deemed to be the time when the exporting ship or aircraft departs from the last port or [F85 regulated aerodrome] at which it is cleared before departing for a destination outside the United Kingdom.

[F86 (5A) If there is a relevant international arrangement with a country or territory outside the United Kingdom, the Commissioners may by regulations provide for the time of exportation of any goods to be a time—

(a) which is earlier than the times set out in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (4), and

(b) which is specified by reference to movement in or out of an area in the country or territory.

(5B) “Relevant international arrangement” means an arrangement between Her Majesty’s government in the United Kingdom and the government of the country or territory which includes provision in relation to the time at which goods are to be regarded as exported from the United Kingdom.]

(6) Goods imported by means of a pipe-line shall be treated as imported at the time when they are brought within the limits of a port [F87 or otherwise when they enter the United Kingdom].

(7) Goods exported by means of a pipe-line shall be treated as exported at the time when they are charged into that pipe-line for exportation.

(8) A ship shall be deemed to have arrived at or departed from a port at the time when the ship comes within or, as the case may be, leaves the limits of that port.

Textual Amendments

F80 Words in s. 5(2) substituted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 6(2)(a) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F81 Words in s. 5(2)(c) substituted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 6(2)(b) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F82 S. 5(2A)(2B) inserted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 6(3) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F83 S. 5(3) omitted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 6(4) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F84 Word in s. 5(4) inserted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 6(5) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F85 Words in s. 5(5) substituted (11.7.2023) by Finance (No. 2) Act 2023 (c. 30), s. 340(3)(a)

F86 S. 5(5A)(5B) inserted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 6(6) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

F87 Words in s. 5(6) substituted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 6(7) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 5 excluded by Value Added Tax Act 1983 (c. 55, SIF 40:2), s. 50, Sch. 10 para. 4(2)

C6 S. 5 applied (1.5.2004) by The Products of Animal Origin (Third Country Imports) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1214), regs. 1, 16(5) (with reg. 3)

C7 S. 5 modified (10.1.2012) by The Postal Packets (Revenue and Customs) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/3036), regs. 1, 10 (with reg. 25) (as amended (31.08.2023) by The Postal Packets (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/872), regs. 1(2), 3(7))

C8 S. 5 applied (26.5.2016) by Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (c. 2), ss. 55(4), 63(2); S.I. 2016/553, reg. 2

C9 S. 5 applied (26.5.2016) by Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (c. 2), ss. 8(4), 63(2) (with s. 11); S.I. 2016/553, reg. 2

C10 S. 5 applied (6.6.2022) by Ivory Act 2018 (c. 30), ss. 34(2), 43 (with ss. 12(5), 41); S.I. 2022/288, reg. 4(u) (with reg. 5)

C11 S. 5(3) modified by S.I. 1986/260, regs. 5(a), 18