China to UK Electronics Import & UKCA
1 resources tagged with "China Uk Trade"
Importing electronics from China to the UK means clearing two separate hurdles since Brexit: UKCA marking (which now runs alongside CE for most electronics) and UK customs with import VAT charged at 20% on the landed value. Most low-voltage consumer electronics fall under the UK Global Tariff at 0–4%, but the VAT and the post-Brexit paperwork catch first-time importers off guard. The guide here walks through marking, tariff rates, and clearance for a shipment landing at Felixstowe or Southampton.
In practice, UKCA and CE conformity rest on the same test reports for most product categories, so you rarely re-test — you re-declare. The common mistake is assuming a CE mark alone clears UK customs; you also need a UK-based authorised representative and a UK Declaration of Conformity on file.
Guides (1)
FAQ
Do I still need CE marking to import electronics to the UK?
For Great Britain you need UKCA marking, though CE is still accepted for many product types under extended recognition. For Northern Ireland, CE (or UKNI) still applies. Check the current rules for your specific product category.
What does it cost to import electronics from China to the UK?
Budget for the UK Global Tariff (commonly 0–4% for electronics), 20% import VAT on the landed value, plus customs clearance and freight. VAT is recoverable if you're VAT-registered.
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