Free tool · UK rules
Which UK rules apply to your product?
As the importer, you’re legally responsible for what you bring in. Tick everything that describes your product and see the rules that apply in Great Britain, what you must do, the documents to get from the supplier before you order, and what must go on the product or its label. Each rule links to the official guidance.
1 What is your product?
Tick all that apply. A Bluetooth toy with a battery ticks three.
2 What applies
Tick what describes your product to see the rules.
How to use this
- It covers Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Northern Ireland follows some EU rules.
- It is a starting map, not legal advice. Some products fall under rules not listed here (medical devices, vehicles, pressure equipment, chemicals, food). Check the guidance for your product, and ask a test laboratory or trading standards when unsure.
- Documents first. Get the test reports and declarations before you place the order, check they name your exact product and model, and make the balance payment depend on them.
Sources: Placing UKCA or CE marked products on the market in GB, Product safety A to Z of industry guidance, and the pages linked from each rule. Your local trading standards service and Business Companion give free guidance.
More free tools for importers
- Spec sheet and AQLWrite the specification and defect list, with the inspection sample size, in English and Chinese.
- Material swap checkerThe usual material swaps (201 for 304, zinc for brass, CCA for copper), how to catch them and what to write.
- Plan my importFour short steps give one plan: landed cost, UK rules and documents, the order-by date and supplier checks.
- Landed-cost calculatorDuty, anti-dumping duty and import VAT for your product, from live UK Trade Tariff rates.
- Quote comparerPut up to four supplier quotes side by side and see which is really the cheapest to land.
- Supplier checkDecode the code on a Chinese business licence and run the warning signs before you pay.
Questions about UK product rules
Who is responsible for product safety when I import from China?
You are. When the manufacturer is outside the UK, the UK importer takes on legal duties: making sure the product meets UK rules, that the maker did the conformity checks and technical documentation, that the product carries the right marking and your name and address, and keeping the documents, typically for 10 years.
Can I still use CE marking instead of UKCA in Great Britain?
For most product rules, yes. The UK continues to recognise the CE marking alongside or in place of UKCA for the Great Britain market, under the Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment) Regulations 2024. Northern Ireland follows different rules.
What documents should I ask a Chinese supplier for?
The declaration of conformity, test reports from an accredited laboratory against the right standards, and for batteries the UN 38.3 test summary. Ask before you order, check the reports match your exact product, and keep copies.
Want the rules checked for your exact product?
I check the rules and standards that apply, get the right test reports from the supplier before you order, and make sure your name and markings are on the goods.
Tell me what you’re importing ->