Export of electronics to the UK – plugs, UKCA and ROHS [2026]

Exporting lamps, drivers, household appliances? The UK has its own "voltages" (literally and figuratively).

1. Plugs and Sockets

This is a basic rule that even the best fail at. Household equipment sold in the UK must must be equipped with a British plug (Type G - BS 1363).

• It is not enough to "add a loose adapter" to the box. The plug must be permanently installed or be a certified adapter permanently attached (so it cannot be removed without tools).
• Exceptions are rare (e.g. razors).
• Selling equipment with a European plug (Schuko) to a consumer in the UK is illegal.

2. UKCA (Electromagnetic Compatibility and LVD)

Electronics are subject to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and low voltage (LVD) regulations. For the Great Britain market the UK continues to recognise the CE marking alongside or in place of the UKCA marking (The Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment) Regulations 2024), including under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 and the Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016. The product needs a Declaration of Conformity and technical documentation for the regime used, and the UK importer must indicate its name, trade name or trademark and postal address. Check the product regulations for your sector (GOV.UK: Using the UKCA marking).

3. UK RoHS

Restriction of hazardous substances (lead, mercury). The UK copied the EU RoHS into its law (The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012). You must have technical documentation confirming compliance with UK RoHS.

Customs duty

Most electronics (phones, computers) have a rate 0% Under the ITA (Information Technology Agreement), even without EU preferences. However, household appliances (washing machines, refrigerators) may incur customs duty if not from the EU.

What the current official guidance means in practice

For operational work, the current procedural rules, declaration fields and relief conditions should be checked directly against the official guidance. For this topic, the core reference points are European Commission, GOV.UK / HMRC.

Official sources

• EU Commission (Customs procedures) — European Commission, 2026-03-04
• UK GOV (Importing into the UK) — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04
• GOV.UK: Customs Declaration Service — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04