JurisdictionsTopicsUpdatesWorkflowsCompareChat with ExpertMarketplacePricing
🇬🇧✈️

Export / Import Process

End-to-end shipment from origin country to UK pharmacy

Import / Export Verified 2026-04-20

Workflow steps

  1. Shipment Planned
    Home Office import license and exporting country export authorization must both be in hand before shipment departs.
  2. Exporting Country Auth
    Obtain export authorization from the national authority of the exporting country (e.g., IMFA in Israel, ODC in Australia, BfArM for Germany).
    • Names UK importer by license number
    • Quantity and product description matching HO license
  3. Home Office Import License
    Per-shipment Schedule 2 import license from Home Office DLCU. Must be received before shipment departs.
    • Original must accompany shipment
    • Valid only for stated quantity and product
  4. Prepare Shipping Docs
    Full documentation pack required by UK Border Force.
    • Home Office import license (original)
    • Exporting country export authorization
    • COA per batch
    • GMP certificate
    • Airway bill / bill of lading
    • Commercial invoice
  5. Shipment Departs
    Air freight is primary route. Heathrow (LHR) is the main UK entry point for pharmaceutical imports. GDP-compliant temperature control required.
  6. UK Border Force Entry
    Border Force customs clearance. CD import license and all documentation presented. Schedule 2 substances may be subject to physical inspection.
    • Home Office license presented at port
    • Border Force may conduct physical inspection
    • GDP cold chain documentation if temperature-sensitive
  7. Receipt & RPi Certification
    UK importer's Responsible Person (Import) reviews all documentation and performs receipt testing. RPi certifies each batch for UK release.
    • Identity and potency testing per MHRA standards
    • Review of all CoAs, GMP certificates
    • RPi signs batch certificate
  8. Released to UK Supply ✓
    RPi-certified. Available for supply to pharmacies against specialist Schedule 2 prescriptions. CD register entries required at each step.
Product RegistrationIn-line & Release Testing