Meet the Entrepreneurs - Jordan - video transcript

This transcript is for the video for Meet the Entrepreneurs - Jordan video about importing goods from the EU.

[Narrator] Meet Jordan, a highly enthusiastic entrepreneur in his haste to make a profit. Jordan is making quick deals and cutting corners to get his goods into the UK. But little does he know the laws that keep dangerous and unsafe products out of the UK are about to give him a run for his money.

[Jordan] “Hiya, I need 5,000 e-bikes and I need 'em here soon as, no, no, no. I don't care where you get 'em from or about the paperwork. Just get 'em here at the price that we agreed. I've got orders piling up here. Time is money.”

[Narrator] Importing to the UK becomes a success story when products are safe. In the UK, products are subject to controls by market surveillance authorities, including trading standards. This ensures they meet all applicable safety legislation before hitting the market. If goods don't comply with UK safety standards, they may be seized and destroyed.

[Jordan] “What? What do you mean may destroy my e-bikes?”

[Narrator] To import products into the UK, you need to follow a few rules to keep people safe. Get your business ready with an EORI number. Check if the sender can export to the UK and decide who will handle customs declarations. Find out the commodity code for your goods.

Work out their value and check if you need an import licence. Don't forget about labelling, marking and marketing rules. Consider the product's characteristics, its effect on other products and its presentation. And always keep records and invoices. Remember, any goods must be safe for consumers.

So what's the moral of our story? Maybe Jordan should have found out about the import regulations first.

For more information, search on www.gov.uk or contact your local trading standards for advice.

[Jordan] “What now? My imported shipment of squishy pigs seized, for not meeting safety standards.”

[Card] Office for Product Safety and Standards.

[Video fades to black and ends]