Apply to be an excise warehousekeeper

You can use this form to apply to be an excise warehousekeeper for alcohol, tobacco and vaping products (including applying for approval for Vaping Products Duty and vaping duty stamps).

You can apply to operate a general storage and distribution warehouse, or a trade facility warehouse using the same application form.

There are different forms if you need to:

You must apply at least 45 working days before the date on which you want your authorisation to begin. This is to allow us time to carry out the necessary verification and pre-approval checks, which will normally include a visit to your place of business.

To apply, you must use a Government Gateway ID that is linked to a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number for either:

You’ll need to sign in to apply online. If you do not already have sign in details, you’ll be able to create them.

Contact HMRC in writing to ask for a paper form, if you:

Your application will be vetted and is subject to background checks. If these checks provide insufficient assurance that the business is suitable for authorisation, more information may be requested.