Importing goods from the EU

You are required to comply with the law and protect consumers by ensuring that your goods are safe.

If you don't follow the rules

• Your goods may be refused entry
• You will be responsible for paying the costs of examination
• You will need to pay for storage
• You will need to pay to rectify the problems
• If the issues cannot be rectified, you will need to pay for the goods to be destroyed.

Government guidance

For step by step information on how to bring goods into the UK from any country, including how much tax and duty you’ll need to pay and whether you need to get a licence or certificate visit Import goods into the UK: step by step - GOV.UK.

Advice from Trading Standards

Trading Standards can assist in ensuring your goods meet the legal requirements for safety, labelling, documentation, test certificates, technical files or product information files and certificates of conformity.

It is important you are aware of the relevant legislation, rules and requirements for the specific products you sell.

Trading Standards can offer advice to businesses in the following areas:

Food and food composition

• Labelling
• Health and nutrition claims
• Risk assessment and HACCP controls.

Consumer safety

Safety of consumer products which can include toys, electrical goods, cosmetics and construction products. We can provide advice on:

• labelling
• risk assessment
• technical files
• testing
• due diligence.

Consumer rights

• Consumer rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015
• Cancellation of contracts
• Terms and conditions
• Online selling
• Selling to consumers in their home.

Feed

• Composition
• Contamination
• Labelling.

Weights and measures

• Average quantity
• Minimum quantity
• Testing and approval of weighing equipment
• Product specific requirements.

There is a legal requirement for certain products to be marked with this when placed on the market. CE marking is a key indicator of a product's compliance with legislation.

If you have any questions or require further advice email tsadvice@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 41 20 20 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm).

Further rules regarding importation of products

Visit GOV.UK to:

• find out what you need to do to comply with regulations on manufactured products you place on the market in Great Britain
• find out which regulations apply to your products and where to go for further information on how to comply with them
• find a UK Market Conformity Assessment Body.

Import of products, animals, food and feed systems (IPAFFS)

Importers and import agents need to use IPAFFS to notify authorities about imports to Great Britain. Visit GOV.UK to find out about the imports of products, animals, food and feed system.

For pre-notification information contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s service desk on aphaservicedesk@apha.gov.uk or call 03300 41 69 9.

Useful links and contacts

If you have any questions regarding customs, please call the Customs and International Trade Helpline on 03003 22 94 34.