Export of industrial machines to the UK – UKCA, CE, declaration of conformity [2026]

Export of industrial machinery to the United Kingdom requires compliance with strict safety and conformity requirements. Post-Brexit, the UK introduced its own marking system UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed), which operates alongside the EU CE marking — CE continues to be recognised on the Great Britain market.

This article explains customs rates on machinery, when UKCA marking is required, how to prepare a declaration of conformity, and which documents are essential for export.

Customs classification of machinery (CN codes)

Industrial machines are classified in Chapter 84 Combined Nomenclature (CN). The customs rate depends on the type of machine and its function.

Example CN codes for machinery:

| CN Code | Description | Duty Rate (standard) | |---|---|---| | 8419.50 | Heat exchangers | 1.7% | | 8421.21 | Water filtration machines | 1.7% | | 8428.10 | Lifts and goods hoists | 1.7% | | 8428.20 | Pneumatic conveyors | 1.7% | | 8428.39 | Other continuous conveyors | 1.7% | | 8443.32 | Industrial printers | 0% | | 8456.11 | Laser machine tools | 1.7% | | 8477.10 | Injection moulding machines | 1.7% | | 8479.89 | Other industrial machinery | 1.7% |

Important: Under the TCA (EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement), machinery that meets the rules of origin benefits from a zero customs duty rate (0%); the rates in the table apply to goods without preference.

How to check the exact customs duty rate?

1. Go to the website gov.uk/trade-tariff. 2. Enter the CN code (e.g. 8428.39). 3. Check the customs rate and additional requirements (certificates, licences).

UKCA requirements for machinery

When do machines require UKCA marking?

Machines placed on the UK market must comply with Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (British equivalent of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC).

New machines placed on the GB market must bear the UKCA or CE marking — legislation in force since 1 October 2024 continues recognition of CE alongside UKCA (GOV.UK).

Used machines

Used machines do not require UKCA markings, but they must meet the safety requirements in force at the time of their first placing on the market.

How to obtain UKCA marking for machinery?

#### Step 1: Risk assessment

The manufacturer must conduct risk assessment in accordance with standards: - BS EN ISO 12100 (Machinery safety – General design principles). - BS EN ISO 13849 (Machinery safety – Safety-related control system parts).

#### Step 2: Conformity testing

The machine must pass compliance tests with British standards (BS EN). Tests can be conducted: - By the manufacturer (self-assessment) – for low-risk machinery. - By a notified body (Notified Body) – for high-risk machines (e.g. presses, saws, woodworking machines).

#### Step 3: Preparing technical documentation

The manufacturer must prepare technical documentation (Technical File), which includes: - Technical drawings. - Electrical schematic. - Risk assessment. - User manual (in English). - Test certificates.

#### Step 4: UK Declaration of Conformity

The manufacturer must issue UK Declaration of Conformity (UK Declaration of Conformity) confirming the machine meets UK regulatory requirements.

Required declaration elements: - Name and address of the manufacturer. - Description of the machine (model, serial number). - List of standards the machine complies with (e.g. BS EN ISO 12100). - Signature of the authorised person. - Date of issue.

#### Step 5: UKCA marking

The manufacturer places UKCA marking on the machine (nameplate) or on the packaging (if placing on the machine is impossible).

Requirements: - The marking must be visible, legible and durable. - Minimum amount 5 mm.

Transition period: CE vs UKCA

The previously planned end of CE recognition did not take effect. Since 1 October 2024, legislation continues recognition of the CE marking in GB — manufacturers can choose UKCA or CE (GOV.UK).

Documents required for machine export

1. Commercial Invoice

Required elements: - Exporter data (name, address, EORI PL). - Importer data (name, address, EORI GB). - Detailed description of the machine (e.g. "Belt conveyor, model XYZ-2000, power 5 kW"). - CN code (e.g. 8428.39.00). - Quantity, unit price, total value. - Delivery terms (Incoterms 2020). - Statement of origin (if using TCA).

2. UK Declaration of Conformity

Required elements: - Name and address of the manufacturer. - Description of the machine. - List of standards (BS EN). - Signature of authorised person.

3. User manual (in English)

Required elements: - Description of the machine and its purpose. - Assembly and commissioning instructions. - Operating and maintenance manual. - Safety warnings. - Electrical schematic.

4. Technical documentation (Technical File)

Required elements: - Technical drawings. - Risk assessment. - Test certificates. - Component list. Important: Technical documentation does not need to be sent with the machine but must be available upon request by UK market surveillance authorities.

5. Packing List

Required elements: - Number of packages/crates. - Gross and net weight. - Package dimensions. - Description of each package's contents.

Most common errors when exporting machinery

Error 1: Missing UKCA marking

❌ Machine with neither UKCA nor CE marking and no declaration of conformity. ✅ Machine with UKCA or CE marking + the relevant declaration of conformity.

Error 2: User manual in Polish

❌ Instructions only in Polish → no possibility to place on the UK market. ✅ Instructions in English (or bilingual: Polish + English).

Error 3: Missing UK compliance declaration

❌ Machine without a declaration of conformity → held for inspection. ✅ UK declaration of conformity attached to documentation.

Error 4: Incorrect customs classification

❌ CN code 8479.89 (other machines) instead of 8428.39 (conveyors) → higher duty rate. ✅ Correct CN code matching machine function.

How can easyclearance.pl assist?

Customs classification verification

Our team can assist with: - Correct classification of machines (CN code). - Checking the customs duty rate in the UKGT tariff. - Determining if machines qualify for TCA (0% duty).

Preparation of documentation

We can help prepare: - Commercial invoice compliant with HMRC requirements. - Statement of origin (TCA). - Packing list and CMR documents.

Coordination with notified bodies

If your machine requires certification by a UK notified body, we can: - Refer you to trusted notified bodies. - Coordinate the certification process. - Assist in preparing technical documentation.

Customs clearance in the UK

We can perform customs clearance in the UK on our EORI number GB, eliminating the need for registration by the Polish company.

Distinction: easyclearance.pl is a customs agency based in the UK. We directly handle clearances in Great Britain. If your shipment requires customs clearance in Poland or another EU country, we coordinate the process through our network of local partners with the required customs authorisations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I export CE-marked machines to the UK?

Yes. Since 1 October 2024, legislation continues recognition of the CE marking in GB alongside UKCA (GOV.UK).

Do used machines require UKCA?

No. Used machines do not require UKCA but must meet safety requirements in force at the time of their first placing on the market.

How much does UKCA certification for machines cost?

Cost depends on the machine and the conformity assessment route: - Manufacturer self-assessment (machinery not listed in Schedule 2 Part 4 of the UK machinery regulations) — mainly the cost of your own technical documentation and testing. - Assessment involving a UK approved body (Schedule 2 Part 4 machinery) — as quoted by the chosen body.

Can I use the same Technical File for the UK and the EU?

Yes, but the declaration of conformity must be separate (UK Declaration of Conformity for the UK, EU Declaration of Conformity for the EU).

How long does UKCA certification take?

- Self-assessment: 1-2 weeks. - Certification by a notified body: 4-12 weeks (depending on machine complexity).

Summary

Exporting industrial machinery to the UK requires compliance with strict safety requirements:

1. UKCA marking – New machinery requires UKCA or CE marking. 2. UK Declaration of Conformity – Required for every machine. 3. User manual – In English. 4. Technical documentation – Available on request by supervisory authorities. 5. Customs duty 0% – under the TCA, if the machine meets the rules of origin.

Need help exporting machinery to the UK?

If you export industrial machinery to the United Kingdom and need support with UKCA certification, documentation preparation, or customs clearance, contact easyclearance.pl.

easyclearance.pl is a customs agency based in the United Kingdom. We directly handle clearances in the UK. Customs clearances within the EU are carried out in cooperation with our network of local partners with the required customs authorisations. Contact us →

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