Export of fertilisers and chemicals to the UK – UK REACH and precursors [2026]

Exporting chemicals is a regulatory minefield. Beyond customs duty (often 6.5% for chemicals from outside the EU), three systems are key.

1. UK REACH

Mentioned for cosmetics, but here it is crucial. Every chemical substance > 1 tonne/year must be registered with HSE. For fertilisers (nitrates, ammonium) this is critical. A Polish exporter can appoint Only Representative (OR) in the UK, to relieve the client of this obligation.

2. Precursors of explosive materials

Many fertilisers and cleaning agents contain substances that can be used to make bombs (e.g. hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid).

• B2B sales: Requires customer identity verification.
• B2C sales: Many substances are PROHIBITED for sale to consumers in the UK (or require EPP licence).
• If you send a "prohibited" fertiliser to a home gardener in the UK, you are committing a crime.

3. ADR (Dangerous goods)

Transport of chemicals through the Channel Tunnel is subject to restrictions. The Tunnel has stricter rules than ferries. Many ADR goods cannot enter the Eurotunnel and must travel by ferry.

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.

Operational watch-outs

Most delays come from inconsistent data between the commercial invoice, packing list, tariff classification, reference numbers and transport assumptions. Before shipment release, confirm who is responsible for clearance, whether the data set is complete and when the declaration must be filed.

Documents and data to prepare

The minimum working pack worth preparing before speaking to customs support or filing a declaration includes:

• commercial invoice with a complete goods description
• packing list with quantities, weight and package count
• HS/CN code and origin information
• EORI number and the party responsible for the declaration

Practical notes for UK-PL operators

For regular flows, keep a stable data template: goods description, HS code, origin, Incoterms, carrier details and source documents. This shortens response time and reduces border corrections.

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