Electronics on Amazon amazon.co.uk
United Kingdom 🇬🇧

The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is the British equivalent of the EU CE marking, introduced after Brexit. For selling in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales), UKCA marking is fundamentally required, while CE marking applies to the EU market. For Northern Ireland, CE marking continues to apply (or the UKNI mark). During the transition period until end of 2027, Great Britain continues to accept CE-marked products. If you want to sell on both Amazon.de and Amazon.co.uk, you will need both markings long-term. Technical requirements are currently largely identical, but conformity documentation must be prepared separately (UK DoC referencing UK Regulations instead of EU Directives).

As an EU-based seller, you must comply with the following additional requirements since Brexit: 1) UK VAT registration with HMRC – mandatory regardless of turnover. 2) Customs declarations for every shipment from the EU to Great Britain (incl. UK EORI number). 3) Import VAT (20%) on importation, reclaimable via Postponed VAT Accounting. 4) UK Responsible Person based in Great Britain named on product/packaging. 5) UKCA marking (mandatory from 2028, CE currently still accepted). 6) Separate registration with the Environment Agency for WEEE, packaging, and batteries. 7) Making Tax Digital compliance for digital VAT returns. 8) Proof of origin for preferential customs treatment (0% duty under TCA). These requirements apply in addition to EU obligations – not as a replacement.

Yes, in most cases existing CE test reports can serve as a basis for UKCA conformity, as the technical standards (BS EN standards) currently largely correspond to EU harmonised standards (EN standards). However, the following adjustments must be made: 1) Test reports must be recognised by a UK Approved Body (not an EU Notified Body). 2) A separate UK Declaration of Conformity (UK DoC) must be prepared, referencing UK Regulations. 3) The UKCA marking must be physically applied to the product or packaging. Costs for converting existing CE documentation to UKCA typically range from GBP 500–3,000 – significantly cheaper than full re-testing. Note: if UK standards diverge from EU standards in the future, separate testing may become necessary.

When importing goods into Great Britain, import VAT of 20% is charged on the goods value (CIF value plus any duties). You have two options: 1) Payment at import: VAT is paid at customs, and you receive a C79 certificate from HMRC as proof. You use this C79 certificate as input tax evidence in your next VAT return to reclaim the import VAT paid. 2) Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA): Available since January 2021 – import VAT is not paid in cash but accounted for directly on your VAT return (simultaneously as output and input tax). PVA is the recommended method as it preserves your cash flow. For PVA, you need a valid UK VAT number and must declare this on the customs declaration. Monthly Postponed VAT Accounting Statements are available through your HMRC account.

Yes, since Brexit a UK Responsible Person is legally required for all products falling under UK product safety regulations. The Responsible Person must be based in Great Britain (England, Scotland, or Wales) and is responsible for ensuring the product complies with UK regulations. Their name and contact details must be stated on the product or packaging. As an EU business without a UK establishment, you have three options: 1) Appoint a UK Authorised Representative – service providers such as AVASK, Compliance Gate, or Product Compliance Specialists offer this from approx. GBP 500–1,500/year. 2) Use your UK importer or distributor as Responsible Person. 3) Establish your own UK presence (significantly more expensive, only worthwhile at larger volumes). Amazon.co.uk increasingly checks whether a UK Responsible Person is listed and can block listings without this information.