Import Business in UK

[Tushar k]

Hi Everyone,

I'm seeking some advice and assistance. I'm interested in starting an import business in the UK, but I'm facing potential restrictions due to my visa (I'm not entirely sure about the specifics; I read about it online). I'm originally from India and have been living in the UK for the past three years. I have a strong understanding of clothing production and suppliers in India—one of my friends even owns a clothing brand there. My goal is to export clothing from India to the UK and sell it here, capitalizing on the exchange rate and lower labor costs to achieve a good profit margin. Unfortunately, I'm having trouble finding clear guidance on how to proceed. Could anyone offer some advice or would be interested in partnering on this venture?

 

[NickZ]

In your case I'd pay a visit to her majestic HM Custom service and see 1st hand what kind of challenges lie ahead.

 

[Customs Geek]

Here’s a good start to find out about UK import requirements
www.gov.uk/import-goods-into-uk
www.gov.uk/guidance/tariffs-on-goods-imported-into-the-uk

Most importers use a third party custom clearance agent/ broker to help with the customs clearance.

You will need to check in India what their export requirements are.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Don't fall into the trap of 'I can get it cheap, so can import it and make loads of profit. Too many people think this and it costs them dearly.

What visa restrictions do you have?

 

[Customs Geek]

To add: There will be the cost of transport to the Uk plus UK import taxes to pay so you may find that things aren’t as cheap as you think.

I am not a visa expert but if your visa restricts you running a business in the UK then buying and selling for profit counts as a business.

 

[Tushar k]

Don't fall into the trap of 'I can get it cheap, so can import it and make loads of profit. Too many people think this and it costs them dearly.

What visa restrictions do you have?

Sure I will consider your point but i hav my friend who’s company is growing rapidly in India and i think in Uk market it can be demanding..
I am on Tier 2 and my visa doesn’t allow me to start something of my own.

 

[Tushar k]

I am not a visa expert but if your visa restricts you running a business in the UK then buying and selling for profit counts as a business.

Yes absolutely and that is why i am trying to find a way to do this

 

[Chris Dias]

Skilled Worker visa

Apply for a Skilled Worker visa (formerly a Tier 2 General work visa) if you’ve been offered a skilled job with a UK employer - eligibility, fees, documents, extend, switch or update, bring your partner and children, taking on additional work.

www.gov.uk

You can in fact work for your own business whilst on a skilled worker visa - see link - but note the restriction to only 20 hours a week and it being in an eligible occupation code

If your work is proposed to be in an ineligible occupation code, or you want to devote your full attention to the business, you will need to consider switching to another visa ststus, such as the innovator visa

 

[Tushar k]

In your case I'd pay a visit to her majestic HM Custom service and see 1st hand what kind of challenges lie ahead.

Thanks for your response. I will try to reach out to them

 

[Tushar k]

You can in fact work for your own business whilst on a skilled worker visa - see link - but note the restriction to only 20 hours a week and it being in an eligible occupation code

If your work is proposed to be in an ineligible occupation code, or you want to devote your full attention to the business, you will need to consider switching to another visa ststus, such as the innovator visa

Thanks for you response. I will have a look