International Standards

Import and export of electronic goods and technologies is very popular as it is easy and profitable. This type of import and export plays a very important role in the country’s economy. In such a way, the government of the UK tries to protect local electronic industry and motivate the UK manufacturers by establishing new international standards regarding export and import of electronic goods. 

The British Standards Institution (BSI) is one, responsible for establishing export and import standards in the country.  This organization was established in 1901 as the Engineering Standards Committee. 

The main objectives of BSI are the following: 

- promoting trade - by developing common industrial standards; 

- reducing waste - by simplifying production and distribution; 

- protecting the consumer - through the use of licensed marks to identify conformity to standards.

This is a non-profit distributing organization and offers global services in the linked fields of standardization, systems assessment, product certification, training and advisory services.

EXPORT REGULATIONS IN THE ELECTRONIC INDUSTRY

Every exporter has to remember that regulations, charges or other restrictions may be applied to electronics exports as they leave the UK and when they arrive at their destination country. It is important to research the regulations of both of these countries in order not to loose something and not to be punished.

1. Certificate of Classification

The exporter has to present the certificate where he classifies all the exported goods. There are  standardized classification codes which make it easier to check if the product is legal. It is important to use the Integrated Tariff of the United Kingdom (the Tariff) to classify the exported goods. Information about the standard codes could be checked on the official page of the UK government (https://www.gov.uk). Some goods are going to be restricted for international export (certain radio equipment, computers, transmitters and mobile phones) as they could not correspond to the quality standards. 

2. Export Licence

Before exporting an electronic device, the exporter has to prepare a specific licence which is required in order to export specified goods with military or dual uses. Especially, it is verifyed while selling goods with a potential military use (telecommunications equipment and some transmitters). 

3. Tarifs and Duties

A range of import-specific regulations apply to all businesses in this area. Key issues relate to the Tariff, duties, intellectual property, VAT and preferential customs schemes. The Tariffs are used to determine the specific classification code of the exported goods and to find: 

- any licensing requirements that apply

- the rates of duty and import VAT that apply

- any additional charges, such as anti-dumping duties

- any available preferential duty rates

4. Intellectual Property

The exporter should ensure that imported goods do not breach the IP rights of other businesses. In such a way be attentive with counterfeit goods and design infringements. Infringing goods can be seized and destroyed by HMRC. 

IMPORT REGULATIONS IN THE ELECTRONIC INDUSTRY

The UK is a member of a big customs union, where you can buy most goods from other member countries without restrictions and any additional tariffs. If you import from outside this trade union, you may have to comply with import licensing requirements as well as with common customs tariffs that apply across this customs union.

1. Import License

This is one of the most important documents which has to be presented before importing foreign products in the UK. Import restrictions can be product-specific or trade-specific. Many products are subject to product-specific standards and need to be supported by applicable certificates, product-specific licenses and documentation. Quite separately, quantitative restrictions or limitations and anti-dumping duties may apply to certain imported commodities. 

2. Environmental Regulations

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations mean that manufacturers, sellers and distributors are responsible for taking back and recycling unwanted electrical and electronic equipment. Products covered under the regulations include:

- household appliances

- telecommunications equipment

- audiovisual and lighting equipment

- electrical and electronic tools

- medical devices

3. Labeling

The labels on the imported product has to contain the following information: 

- All the information about the product has to be printed on a label securely affixed to the package or printed on the package itself;

- All lables on the package have to be printed only in English language;

- All the products with only one standard EU or the USA label are not allowed to be placed on the market;

- All products with false, misleading or deceprive representation are not allowed to be placed on the market;

- The content on the label has to be clear, prominent, indelible, and readily legible by the consumer.

4. Consumer safety regulations

Goods imported into the UK must comply with domestic safety regulations and standards. For example, imported household electrical products must comply with three sets of consumer safety regulations which are enforced by Trading Standards:

- Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994

- Plugs and Sockets, etc (Safety) Regulations 1994

- Gas Appliances (Safety) Regulations 1995.