Pick what you are importing and see which UK regimes attach to it, what to demand from the factory, and where to read the detail.
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Choose a product type above to see what applies.
What it means: Most regulated products need conformity marking plus the technical file and declaration behind it. Check the current UK position rather than an old article.
Ask the factory for: Declaration of conformity and the technical file, matching your exact model.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing electrical or electronic equipment makes you a producer. There is no tonnage threshold for being obligated; 5 tonnes a year decides scheme membership versus direct registration.
Ask the factory for: Unit weights by product category, and confirmation the crossed-out wheelie bin mark is on the product itself. Any batteries inside are a separate obligation.
Read the guideWhat it means: Registration rarely applies to finished articles, but restricted substances inside them do. Above 0.1% by weight a candidate-list substance means you must pass safety information down the chain; notifying HSE kicks in on top of that once the substance totals over a tonne a year across everything you import.
Ask the factory for: A substance declaration covering the restricted substances relevant to your product, with accredited test reports.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing packaged goods makes you the producer for that packaging. Above the turnover and tonnage tests you must register and report packaging data by material, and large producers also pay disposal fees.
Ask the factory for: Packaging weights per component, by material, in grams.
Read the guideWhat it means: Charged on plastic packaging with under 30% recycled content once you hit 10 tonnes in 12 months. Transport packaging on an import is exempt and does not count toward the threshold.
Ask the factory for: Recycled content percentage with supporting documentation tied to your packaging.
Read the guideThese apply to almost every import, because almost everything arrives in packaging.
What it means: Most regulated products need conformity marking plus the technical file and declaration behind it. Check the current UK position rather than an old article.
Ask the factory for: Declaration of conformity and the technical file, matching your exact model.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing electrical or electronic equipment makes you a producer. There is no tonnage threshold for being obligated; 5 tonnes a year decides scheme membership versus direct registration.
Ask the factory for: Unit weights by product category, and confirmation the crossed-out wheelie bin mark is on the product itself. Any batteries inside are a separate obligation.
Read the guideWhat it means: If there is a cell in the box — including one already fitted inside the product — you are the battery producer, because you are first to place it on the UK market. Over a tonne of portable batteries a year means joining a compliance scheme; at or under a tonne you register directly on the NPWD. The batteries themselves also need capacity and crossed-out wheelie bin marking.
Ask the factory for: Battery chemistry, weight per cell and cells per unit, so you can report tonnage — plus confirmation the batteries carry the required marks.
Read the guideWhat it means: Consumer products that connect to the internet need a statement of compliance before they can be made available, and you must keep a copy. Several categories are excluded.
Ask the factory for: The statement of compliance, including the declared security update support period.
Read the guideWhat it means: Registration rarely applies to finished articles, but restricted substances inside them do. Above 0.1% by weight a candidate-list substance means you must pass safety information down the chain; notifying HSE kicks in on top of that once the substance totals over a tonne a year across everything you import.
Ask the factory for: A substance declaration covering the restricted substances relevant to your product, with accredited test reports.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing packaged goods makes you the producer for that packaging. Above the turnover and tonnage tests you must register and report packaging data by material, and large producers also pay disposal fees.
Ask the factory for: Packaging weights per component, by material, in grams.
Read the guideWhat it means: Charged on plastic packaging with under 30% recycled content once you hit 10 tonnes in 12 months. Transport packaging on an import is exempt and does not count toward the threshold.
Ask the factory for: Recycled content percentage with supporting documentation tied to your packaging.
Read the guideThese apply to almost every import, because almost everything arrives in packaging.
What it means: Most regulated products need conformity marking plus the technical file and declaration behind it. Check the current UK position rather than an old article.
Ask the factory for: Declaration of conformity and the technical file, matching your exact model.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importers carry the liability. Testing is against the BS EN 71 series, and age grading decides which parts apply — anything for under-threes brings small-parts requirements.
Ask the factory for: Technical file, declaration of conformity, and test reports matching your model, materials and colours.
Read the guideWhat it means: Registration rarely applies to finished articles, but restricted substances inside them do. Above 0.1% by weight a candidate-list substance means you must pass safety information down the chain; notifying HSE kicks in on top of that once the substance totals over a tonne a year across everything you import.
Ask the factory for: A substance declaration covering the restricted substances relevant to your product, with accredited test reports.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing packaged goods makes you the producer for that packaging. Above the turnover and tonnage tests you must register and report packaging data by material, and large producers also pay disposal fees.
Ask the factory for: Packaging weights per component, by material, in grams.
Read the guideWhat it means: Charged on plastic packaging with under 30% recycled content once you hit 10 tonnes in 12 months. Transport packaging on an import is exempt and does not count toward the threshold.
Ask the factory for: Recycled content percentage with supporting documentation tied to your packaging.
Read the guideThese apply to almost every import, because almost everything arrives in packaging.
What it means: Polyamide and melamine kitchenware from China or Hong Kong needs an importer declaration plus a laboratory report, and you have to pre-notify the authority at the entry point at least two working days before the consignment lands. Other food-contact materials still have to meet the general safety rules.
Ask the factory for: Declaration of compliance citing GB legislation, plus a lab report on your production samples.
Read the guideWhat it means: Registration rarely applies to finished articles, but restricted substances inside them do. Above 0.1% by weight a candidate-list substance means you must pass safety information down the chain; notifying HSE kicks in on top of that once the substance totals over a tonne a year across everything you import.
Ask the factory for: A substance declaration covering the restricted substances relevant to your product, with accredited test reports.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing packaged goods makes you the producer for that packaging. Above the turnover and tonnage tests you must register and report packaging data by material, and large producers also pay disposal fees.
Ask the factory for: Packaging weights per component, by material, in grams.
Read the guideWhat it means: Charged on plastic packaging with under 30% recycled content once you hit 10 tonnes in 12 months. Transport packaging on an import is exempt and does not count toward the threshold.
Ask the factory for: Recycled content percentage with supporting documentation tied to your packaging.
Read the guideThese apply to almost every import, because almost everything arrives in packaging.
What it means: Most regulated products need conformity marking plus the technical file and declaration behind it. Check the current UK position rather than an old article.
Ask the factory for: Declaration of conformity and the technical file, matching your exact model.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing electrical or electronic equipment makes you a producer. There is no tonnage threshold for being obligated; 5 tonnes a year decides scheme membership versus direct registration.
Ask the factory for: Unit weights by product category, and confirmation the crossed-out wheelie bin mark is on the product itself. Any batteries inside are a separate obligation.
Read the guideWhat it means: Polyamide and melamine kitchenware from China or Hong Kong needs an importer declaration plus a laboratory report, and you have to pre-notify the authority at the entry point at least two working days before the consignment lands. Other food-contact materials still have to meet the general safety rules.
Ask the factory for: Declaration of compliance citing GB legislation, plus a lab report on your production samples.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing packaged goods makes you the producer for that packaging. Above the turnover and tonnage tests you must register and report packaging data by material, and large producers also pay disposal fees.
Ask the factory for: Packaging weights per component, by material, in grams.
Read the guideWhat it means: Charged on plastic packaging with under 30% recycled content once you hit 10 tonnes in 12 months. Transport packaging on an import is exempt and does not count toward the threshold.
Ask the factory for: Recycled content percentage with supporting documentation tied to your packaging.
Read the guideThese apply to almost every import, because almost everything arrives in packaging.
What it means: Upholstered furniture falls under the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, covering filling, cover fabric and how they behave together.
Ask the factory for: Fire test evidence for the actual filling and cover materials used, not a similar specification.
Read the guideWhat it means: Registration rarely applies to finished articles, but restricted substances inside them do. Above 0.1% by weight a candidate-list substance means you must pass safety information down the chain; notifying HSE kicks in on top of that once the substance totals over a tonne a year across everything you import.
Ask the factory for: A substance declaration covering the restricted substances relevant to your product, with accredited test reports.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing packaged goods makes you the producer for that packaging. Above the turnover and tonnage tests you must register and report packaging data by material, and large producers also pay disposal fees.
Ask the factory for: Packaging weights per component, by material, in grams.
Read the guideWhat it means: Charged on plastic packaging with under 30% recycled content once you hit 10 tonnes in 12 months. Transport packaging on an import is exempt and does not count toward the threshold.
Ask the factory for: Recycled content percentage with supporting documentation tied to your packaging.
Read the guideThese apply to almost every import, because almost everything arrives in packaging.
What it means: Registration rarely applies to finished articles, but restricted substances inside them do. Above 0.1% by weight a candidate-list substance means you must pass safety information down the chain; notifying HSE kicks in on top of that once the substance totals over a tonne a year across everything you import.
Ask the factory for: A substance declaration covering the restricted substances relevant to your product, with accredited test reports.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing packaged goods makes you the producer for that packaging. Above the turnover and tonnage tests you must register and report packaging data by material, and large producers also pay disposal fees.
Ask the factory for: Packaging weights per component, by material, in grams.
Read the guideWhat it means: Charged on plastic packaging with under 30% recycled content once you hit 10 tonnes in 12 months. Transport packaging on an import is exempt and does not count toward the threshold.
Ask the factory for: Recycled content percentage with supporting documentation tied to your packaging.
Read the guideThese apply to almost every import, because almost everything arrives in packaging.
What it means: Accurate fibre composition labelling is a legal requirement in the UK. Care labelling is commercial practice rather than statutory, but it still has to match the fabric.
Ask the factory for: Fibre composition test results, and label artwork with content, language, placement and material specified.
Read the guideWhat it means: Registration rarely applies to finished articles, but restricted substances inside them do. Above 0.1% by weight a candidate-list substance means you must pass safety information down the chain; notifying HSE kicks in on top of that once the substance totals over a tonne a year across everything you import.
Ask the factory for: A substance declaration covering the restricted substances relevant to your product, with accredited test reports.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing packaged goods makes you the producer for that packaging. Above the turnover and tonnage tests you must register and report packaging data by material, and large producers also pay disposal fees.
Ask the factory for: Packaging weights per component, by material, in grams.
Read the guideWhat it means: Charged on plastic packaging with under 30% recycled content once you hit 10 tonnes in 12 months. Transport packaging on an import is exempt and does not count toward the threshold.
Ask the factory for: Recycled content percentage with supporting documentation tied to your packaging.
Read the guideThese apply to almost every import, because almost everything arrives in packaging.
What it means: Cosmetics need a safety assessment, a product information file, notification, compliant labelling and a UK-established responsible person — normally you, as importer.
Ask the factory for: Full formulation with INCI names and percentages, plus stability and pack compatibility data.
Read the guideWhat it means: Registration rarely applies to finished articles, but restricted substances inside them do. Above 0.1% by weight a candidate-list substance means you must pass safety information down the chain; notifying HSE kicks in on top of that once the substance totals over a tonne a year across everything you import.
Ask the factory for: A substance declaration covering the restricted substances relevant to your product, with accredited test reports.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing packaged goods makes you the producer for that packaging. Above the turnover and tonnage tests you must register and report packaging data by material, and large producers also pay disposal fees.
Ask the factory for: Packaging weights per component, by material, in grams.
Read the guideWhat it means: Charged on plastic packaging with under 30% recycled content once you hit 10 tonnes in 12 months. Transport packaging on an import is exempt and does not count toward the threshold.
Ask the factory for: Recycled content percentage with supporting documentation tied to your packaging.
Read the guideThese apply to almost every import, because almost everything arrives in packaging.
What it means: Most regulated products need conformity marking plus the technical file and declaration behind it. Check the current UK position rather than an old article.
Ask the factory for: Declaration of conformity and the technical file, matching your exact model.
Read the guideWhat it means: If the product is a medical device, you need a UK Responsible Person and MHRA registration whatever the class. The class only decides the conformity assessment route and whether an approved body has to be involved.
Ask the factory for: The UKCA or CE certificate verified with the issuing body, the UKRP appointment in writing, quality system evidence and batch records.
Read the guideWhat it means: Protective gloves, eyewear, masks and workwear are not medical devices — there is no MHRA registration. They are UKCA marked under the PPE rules, and the category decides the route: simple risks can be self-declared, while Category II and Category III need an approved body, with ongoing surveillance for Category III.
Ask the factory for: The PPE category in writing, the approved body's certificate where one is needed, and the declaration of conformity naming your company as importer.
Read the guideWhat it means: Registration rarely applies to finished articles, but restricted substances inside them do. Above 0.1% by weight a candidate-list substance means you must pass safety information down the chain; notifying HSE kicks in on top of that once the substance totals over a tonne a year across everything you import.
Ask the factory for: A substance declaration covering the restricted substances relevant to your product, with accredited test reports.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing packaged goods makes you the producer for that packaging. Above the turnover and tonnage tests you must register and report packaging data by material, and large producers also pay disposal fees.
Ask the factory for: Packaging weights per component, by material, in grams.
Read the guideWhat it means: Charged on plastic packaging with under 30% recycled content once you hit 10 tonnes in 12 months. Transport packaging on an import is exempt and does not count toward the threshold.
Ask the factory for: Recycled content percentage with supporting documentation tied to your packaging.
Read the guideThese apply to almost every import, because almost everything arrives in packaging.
What it means: Most regulated products need conformity marking plus the technical file and declaration behind it. Check the current UK position rather than an old article.
Ask the factory for: Declaration of conformity and the technical file, matching your exact model.
Read the guideWhat it means: Machinery supplied in the UK must meet safety requirements and come with instructions, a declaration of conformity and appropriate marking. Establishing that is the importer's job.
Ask the factory for: English instructions, declaration of conformity, electrical schematics and the technical documentation.
Read the guideWhat it means: Registration rarely applies to finished articles, but restricted substances inside them do. Above 0.1% by weight a candidate-list substance means you must pass safety information down the chain; notifying HSE kicks in on top of that once the substance totals over a tonne a year across everything you import.
Ask the factory for: A substance declaration covering the restricted substances relevant to your product, with accredited test reports.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing packaged goods makes you the producer for that packaging. Above the turnover and tonnage tests you must register and report packaging data by material, and large producers also pay disposal fees.
Ask the factory for: Packaging weights per component, by material, in grams.
Read the guideWhat it means: Charged on plastic packaging with under 30% recycled content once you hit 10 tonnes in 12 months. Transport packaging on an import is exempt and does not count toward the threshold.
Ask the factory for: Recycled content percentage with supporting documentation tied to your packaging.
Read the guideThese apply to almost every import, because almost everything arrives in packaging.
What it means: Materials used in UK construction can require a declaration of performance and correct marking, with the characteristics depending on the product and its intended use.
Ask the factory for: Declaration of performance and fire evidence for the actual product, not a similar one.
Read the guideWhat it means: Registration rarely applies to finished articles, but restricted substances inside them do. Above 0.1% by weight a candidate-list substance means you must pass safety information down the chain; notifying HSE kicks in on top of that once the substance totals over a tonne a year across everything you import.
Ask the factory for: A substance declaration covering the restricted substances relevant to your product, with accredited test reports.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing packaged goods makes you the producer for that packaging. Above the turnover and tonnage tests you must register and report packaging data by material, and large producers also pay disposal fees.
Ask the factory for: Packaging weights per component, by material, in grams.
Read the guideWhat it means: Charged on plastic packaging with under 30% recycled content once you hit 10 tonnes in 12 months. Transport packaging on an import is exempt and does not count toward the threshold.
Ask the factory for: Recycled content percentage with supporting documentation tied to your packaging.
Read the guideThese apply to almost every import, because almost everything arrives in packaging.
What it means: Polyamide and melamine kitchenware from China or Hong Kong needs an importer declaration plus a laboratory report, and you have to pre-notify the authority at the entry point at least two working days before the consignment lands. Other food-contact materials still have to meet the general safety rules.
Ask the factory for: Declaration of compliance citing GB legislation, plus a lab report on your production samples.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing packaged goods makes you the producer for that packaging. Above the turnover and tonnage tests you must register and report packaging data by material, and large producers also pay disposal fees.
Ask the factory for: Packaging weights per component, by material, in grams.
Read the guideWhat it means: Charged on plastic packaging with under 30% recycled content once you hit 10 tonnes in 12 months. Transport packaging on an import is exempt and does not count toward the threshold.
Ask the factory for: Recycled content percentage with supporting documentation tied to your packaging.
Read the guideThese apply to almost every import, because almost everything arrives in packaging.
What it means: Most regulated products need conformity marking plus the technical file and declaration behind it. Check the current UK position rather than an old article.
Ask the factory for: Declaration of conformity and the technical file, matching your exact model.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing electrical or electronic equipment makes you a producer. There is no tonnage threshold for being obligated; 5 tonnes a year decides scheme membership versus direct registration.
Ask the factory for: Unit weights by product category, and confirmation the crossed-out wheelie bin mark is on the product itself. Any batteries inside are a separate obligation.
Read the guideWhat it means: If there is a cell in the box — including one already fitted inside the product — you are the battery producer, because you are first to place it on the UK market. Over a tonne of portable batteries a year means joining a compliance scheme; at or under a tonne you register directly on the NPWD. The batteries themselves also need capacity and crossed-out wheelie bin marking.
Ask the factory for: Battery chemistry, weight per cell and cells per unit, so you can report tonnage — plus confirmation the batteries carry the required marks.
Read the guideWhat it means: Registration rarely applies to finished articles, but restricted substances inside them do. Above 0.1% by weight a candidate-list substance means you must pass safety information down the chain; notifying HSE kicks in on top of that once the substance totals over a tonne a year across everything you import.
Ask the factory for: A substance declaration covering the restricted substances relevant to your product, with accredited test reports.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing packaged goods makes you the producer for that packaging. Above the turnover and tonnage tests you must register and report packaging data by material, and large producers also pay disposal fees.
Ask the factory for: Packaging weights per component, by material, in grams.
Read the guideWhat it means: Charged on plastic packaging with under 30% recycled content once you hit 10 tonnes in 12 months. Transport packaging on an import is exempt and does not count toward the threshold.
Ask the factory for: Recycled content percentage with supporting documentation tied to your packaging.
Read the guideThese apply to almost every import, because almost everything arrives in packaging.
What it means: Registration rarely applies to finished articles, but restricted substances inside them do. Above 0.1% by weight a candidate-list substance means you must pass safety information down the chain; notifying HSE kicks in on top of that once the substance totals over a tonne a year across everything you import.
Ask the factory for: A substance declaration covering the restricted substances relevant to your product, with accredited test reports.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing packaged goods makes you the producer for that packaging. Above the turnover and tonnage tests you must register and report packaging data by material, and large producers also pay disposal fees.
Ask the factory for: Packaging weights per component, by material, in grams.
Read the guideWhat it means: Charged on plastic packaging with under 30% recycled content once you hit 10 tonnes in 12 months. Transport packaging on an import is exempt and does not count toward the threshold.
Ask the factory for: Recycled content percentage with supporting documentation tied to your packaging.
Read the guideThese apply to almost every import, because almost everything arrives in packaging.
What it means: Registration rarely applies to finished articles, but restricted substances inside them do. Above 0.1% by weight a candidate-list substance means you must pass safety information down the chain; notifying HSE kicks in on top of that once the substance totals over a tonne a year across everything you import.
Ask the factory for: A substance declaration covering the restricted substances relevant to your product, with accredited test reports.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing packaged goods makes you the producer for that packaging. Above the turnover and tonnage tests you must register and report packaging data by material, and large producers also pay disposal fees.
Ask the factory for: Packaging weights per component, by material, in grams.
Read the guideWhat it means: Charged on plastic packaging with under 30% recycled content once you hit 10 tonnes in 12 months. Transport packaging on an import is exempt and does not count toward the threshold.
Ask the factory for: Recycled content percentage with supporting documentation tied to your packaging.
Read the guideThese apply to almost every import, because almost everything arrives in packaging.
What it means: Most regulated products need conformity marking plus the technical file and declaration behind it. Check the current UK position rather than an old article.
Ask the factory for: Declaration of conformity and the technical file, matching your exact model.
Read the guideWhat it means: Registration rarely applies to finished articles, but restricted substances inside them do. Above 0.1% by weight a candidate-list substance means you must pass safety information down the chain; notifying HSE kicks in on top of that once the substance totals over a tonne a year across everything you import.
Ask the factory for: A substance declaration covering the restricted substances relevant to your product, with accredited test reports.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing packaged goods makes you the producer for that packaging. Above the turnover and tonnage tests you must register and report packaging data by material, and large producers also pay disposal fees.
Ask the factory for: Packaging weights per component, by material, in grams.
Read the guideWhat it means: Charged on plastic packaging with under 30% recycled content once you hit 10 tonnes in 12 months. Transport packaging on an import is exempt and does not count toward the threshold.
Ask the factory for: Recycled content percentage with supporting documentation tied to your packaging.
Read the guideThese apply to almost every import, because almost everything arrives in packaging.
What it means: Registration rarely applies to finished articles, but restricted substances inside them do. Above 0.1% by weight a candidate-list substance means you must pass safety information down the chain; notifying HSE kicks in on top of that once the substance totals over a tonne a year across everything you import.
Ask the factory for: A substance declaration covering the restricted substances relevant to your product, with accredited test reports.
Read the guideWhat it means: Importing packaged goods makes you the producer for that packaging. Above the turnover and tonnage tests you must register and report packaging data by material, and large producers also pay disposal fees.
Ask the factory for: Packaging weights per component, by material, in grams.
Read the guideWhat it means: Charged on plastic packaging with under 30% recycled content once you hit 10 tonnes in 12 months. Transport packaging on an import is exempt and does not count toward the threshold.
Ask the factory for: Recycled content percentage with supporting documentation tied to your packaging.
Read the guideThese apply to almost every import, because almost everything arrives in packaging.
Guidance, not legal advice. This is a navigation aid over our own guides — which regimes apply depends on your specific product, its intended use and its claims. Confirm your position against gov.uk before relying on it.
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