Safety requirements for importing toys, electrical and mechanical products to the UK

As the United Kingdom continues to implement its post-Brexit trade policies, businesses that import goods into the country must be aware of the new safety documents required to comply with regulations. Importers are more liable and responsible than ever, for ensuring that their products meet UK safety standards, and they must provide the appropriate documentation to prove compliance. Compliance can be demonstrated in a number of ways for simple products, but the requirements are more exacting once you deal with electrical items, mechanical products and toys.

One of the key documents that importers must provide for these more difficult items is the Declaration of Conformity (DoC). The DoC declares that the product complies with the relevant safety standards. It must be signed by a person authorised to do so and should be provided in English. The DoC differs depending on the type of product you have. As a minimum, it should contain:

• The product's identification number.

• A list of the applicable standards.

• The name and address of the manufacturer.

In addition to the DoC, importers or sellers toys and electrical items need to ensure they have a proper contract between the manufacturer and a proper UK company which demonstrates where the responsibility for safety, complaints, documents and recalls lies. Amazon in particular, are very strict about how this should be presented. Trading Standards have secured funding on national level to tackle this issue within fulfilment houses and without the proper setup, you risk having your goods seized and destroyed, removed from Amazon, or both.

"Businesses importing goods into the UK must be familiar with these requirements and ensure that they have the appropriate documentation in place before shipping their products. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in products being destroyed, or find themselves facing prosecution." - Steve Brown, E-commerce Regulations Simplified

So, you're importing goods into the UK, ensuring that you have the appropriate safety documentation and representation in place is crucial. The Declaration of Conformity, Technical File, and any additional required documents are essential for demonstrating compliance with UK safety standards. By understanding these requirements and taking the necessary steps to comply with them, businesses can avoid potential legal issues and ensure the safety of their products.

Learn more about importing requirements with Steve Brown during Amazon Conference in October this year.

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