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United Kingdom Importer of Record (IOR) Services

Importer of Record (IOR) Services for Food, Beverage & Medical Device Imports into the United Kingdom

Importing food, beverages, and medical devices into the UK requires a designated Importer of Record (IOR) to manage customs declarations, product compliance, and regulatory approvals with UK authorities such as HMRC, DEFRA, and the MHRA.

✅ Ensures compliance with UK import, food safety, and product regulations
✅ Handles customs declarations, VAT duties, and compliance paperwork
✅ Prevents delays, detentions, and customs seizures
✅ Serves as your official UK-based IOR — even if you have no local entity

Our IOR services provide end-to-end compliance and import representation for international exporters looking to enter the UK market with ease and legal certainty.

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Why Importer of Record (IOR) Services Are Essential for the UK Market

An Importer of Record is a mandatory requirement for non-UK companies importing regulated goods. Without an IOR, your goods may be blocked at the border, face inspections, or be rejected outright. Common import risks without an IOR:

  • Delays in customs clearance and product release
  • Non-compliance with UK health, safety, and labeling regulations
  • HMRC fines and detentions
  • Confiscation of goods at UK ports of entry

A qualified IOR ensures that your products meet UK regulatory and documentation standards, including specific requirements for organic food, dietary supplements, and medical devices.

Our Core Importer of Record (IOR) Services for the United Kingdom

What’s Included in Our UK IOR Services

Acting as Your Official Importer of Record

We serve as your IOR for food, drink, and healthcare products imported into the United Kingdom.

  • Legal representation for customs and regulatory communications
  • Use of our UK address for customs declarations
  • Ideal for companies without a UK business registration

DEFRA, FSA & MHRA Regulatory Compliance

We ensure your products meet UK standards for food safety, veterinary import rules, and medical device compliance.

  • DEFRA compliance for animal-derived or organic products
  • UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) import registration
  • MHRA conformity for medical devices (UKCA marking, post-Brexit)

UK Customs Declarations & VAT Handling

Smooth customs clearance through HMRC with full declaration support.

  • CDS (Customs Declaration Service) entries
  • Professional HS code classification and evaluation
  • VAT deferment or payment through our deferment account

UK Labeling & Packaging Compliance

All goods entering the UK must follow strict packaging and labeling guidelines.

  • UK-specific ingredient labeling and allergens
  • Medical device labeling guidance under UK MDR
  • Organic and nutritional fact panel validation

Post-Import Recordkeeping & Compliance Support

We help you remain compliant with UK regulations post-clearance.

  • Secure archiving of import and compliance documentation
  • Preparation for audits and traceability requests
  • Post-market support including recalls and incident reporting

Resolution of Border Rejections & Compliance Issues

If HMRC or port health authorities detain your shipment, we act fast.

  • Liaison with customs and port health teams
  • Re-submission of corrected documentation
  • Corrective action planning to restore compliance

Why Choose Our Importer of Record (IOR) Services?

UK Regulatory Expertise

In-depth knowledge of DEFRA, MHRA, and FSA requirements.

Full Customs and VAT Management

We handle CDS customs declarations and VAT processing from start to finish.

Product Compliance Confidence

From food supplements to organic and health products — we’ve got you covered.

Ideal for International Exporters

A ready-to-go IOR solution for businesses without a UK presence.

Global Import Agent have successfully worked with me to land product in the U.S and remain compliant for FDA regulations. I'm really happy with their response times, and easy to use tech platform that facilitates the process.
Jane Mckay
Jane MckayAstute Beverages
I had hit a brick wall trying to get my FDA number for export of my rum to the USA. Ryan and James knew all the right contacts to sort this out for me. I could not have done it without Global Import Agent. They even sorted out my prior notification paperwork for me. I can highly recommend them.
James Singlehurst
James SinglehurstRevival Rum
Ryan, Chris and their team were exceptional in getting our food supplement product FSVP compliant. Pretty good experience with Global Import Agent overall.
Kelvin Yeo
Kelvin YeoAdvagen
Great level of service in the 3 months we have been working with Global Import Agent to date. From the first call with Fabrizzio to the comms with Ryan, James & Carlos, all has been good and the progress we are making is fantastic!
Jeff Webster
Jeff WebsterHunter & Gather
I recently had the pleasure of working with Ryan and his team for a label review of a dietary supplement, which was intended for commercialization in the United States. My experience was overwhelmingly positive, as they provided exceptional and professional support throughout the process.
Renato Di Lorenzi
Renato Di LorenziLoli Pharma
We use Global Import Agent as our FSVP agent for importing dietary supplements into the US from the EU. They've provided us with professional high-quality service thus far. Recommend!
Keiu Kadarik
Keiu KadarikEcosh Life
We were a start up working on our first import, and Global Import Agent was superb in taking care of our documentation and import process. Highly recommend.
Hee Joong Kim
Hee Joong KimMuom Life
Ryan is very helpful from the beginning to end. He responds super fast and he is on point to the issue / objectives.
Wonsik Woo
Wonsik WooLifeLab
James, Ryan and Carlos have been really helpful all along our FSVP. Great service.
Anahi Cabrera Herrera
Anahi Cabrera HerreraScience In Sport
Flexible and helpful FSVP agent. After comparing a couple of agents, this one is the one we picked. No regrets!
Andreas Edström
Andreas EdströmSwedish Signature AB
they are fast, efficient, and always open to help. They have been a great support for me and my company
Alba Rodríguez
Alba RodríguezGricha
Great to deal with, cost efficient and professional, highly recommended
Stephen Goument
Stephen GoumentGolden Turmeric
​What our clients say

Client Feedback

Read what our clients have to say about our services and how we have helped them export product.

Q. What is an Importer of Record (IOR) for the UK?

A UK-based legal representative who assumes responsibility for customs declarations, VAT, and regulatory compliance.

 

Q. Who needs an Importer of Record in the UK?

Any non-UK company importing regulated goods, including food, supplements, and medical devices.

 

Q. Can I import goods into the UK without a UK business entity?

Yes — by appointing a qualified IOR such as our service, you can import legally and efficiently.

 

Q. What are the consequences of not having an IOR?

Delays, customs detentions, fines, or refusal of entry for your goods.

Q. How quickly can I appoint an IOR?

In most cases, we can onboard you in 1–3 business days after receiving documentation.

Want To Ask Something?

We are always ready to answer your questions

Our team is friendly, responsive and we love to talk to people interested in what we do. Feel free to get in touch and one of our team will always get back to you. Guaranteed!

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Get Your Products Into the UK — Hassle-Free

Ensure hassle-free customs clearance and full regulatory compliance for your food, beverage, and medical device imports with our expert IOR services

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