How to Bring a Company into the British Market? A Complete Guide

The British market is attractive for Polish companies because it is large and close, but after Brexit selling to the UK is an export to a third country. This guide shows how to set up a company, get the necessary numbers and certificates and where to find support. A fuller description is in how to bring a company into the British market: a complete guide.

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1. How to set up a company in the United Kingdom

1.1. Choosing the type of business

1. Sole trader: the simplest form for individual entrepreneurs.
2. Partnership: for ventures run jointly with other people.
3. Limited company: a popular form for businesses planning growth and investment.

1.2. Registering with Companies House

Companies House keeps the register of companies in the United Kingdom. According to GOV.UK you must register an official address, choose a SIC code and appoint at least one director; you also prepare the documents that set out how the company is run (memorandum and articles of association). Before registering you may need to verify your identity using GOV.UK One Login (GOV.UK). Online registration usually takes up to 24 hours, and paper registration (form IN01) 8 to 10 days. The registration fee is £100 online and £124 on paper (GOV.UK).

1.3. Taxes and numbers

• Corporation tax: a company is usually set up for Corporation Tax during registration.
• VAT: the registration threshold for UK businesses is £90,000 of taxable turnover, but businesses based outside the UK that supply goods or services to the UK must register regardless of turnover (GOV.UK).
• GB EORI: a GB-prefixed number is needed to import into England, Scotland and Wales (how to get an EORI number in the UK).

2. Conformity markings: UKCA and CE

• UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) is the British conformity marking for products placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), including machinery, electrical equipment and toys. Where a third party is required, it is a UK approved body.
• CE is still recognised for most product groups regulated by the Department for Business and Trade - alongside or instead of UKCA - under The Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (gov.uk). CE also remains available for construction products (gov.uk). Some sectors (for example medical devices) have their own rules.

More: CE and UKCA marking in the United Kingdom and does your product need UKCA.

3. Approvals and requirements for selected products

• Food: imported food must meet British hygiene and labelling requirements (including allergens and ingredients); products of animal and plant origin are also subject to sanitary and phytosanitary controls (exporting food to the UK).
• Cosmetics: they must be notified in the British SCPN service (Submit cosmetic product notifications) run by OPSS - the EU CPNP does not cover the GB market. The notification is made by a "responsible person" established in the UK (gov.uk; importing cosmetics to the UK).
• Medicines and medical devices: they are supervised by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) and have separate rules.
• Electronics: they need UKCA or (in most cases still recognised) CE marking and must meet safety and energy requirements.
• Chemicals: they fall under UK REACH; check the obligations of the importer or UK representative.
• Agricultural products: seeds, fruit and vegetables require, among other things, phytosanitary certificates.

Look for requirements for your specific sector on GOV.UK, with industry bodies and from a customs agency.

4. Customs and logistics

Selling to the UK means an export declaration in the EU and an import declaration on the British side, with duty and VAT depending on the code, value and origin (exporting from Poland to the UK: documents and procedures). Agree with your customer who is the importer and who pays duty and VAT (DDP or DAP).

5. Support for entrepreneurs

• Business organisations such as the British Chambers of Commerce help new businesses.
• Legal, tax and accounting advisers help with registration and returns; in the UK you can also use registration services and a virtual address, provided it meets the requirements for a registered office address.
• A customs agency helps with classification, documents and clearance (how to choose a customs agency).

6. Challenges and how to meet them

• Cultural differences: learn local customs and business etiquette.
• Law and tax: an adviser helps avoid mistakes in your accounts.
• Business networks: trade fairs and industry events help build partnerships.

Want to expand into the British market?

Ask about customs formalities for your goods: contact us. The cost of clearance is explained in how much UK customs clearance costs.

Frequently asked questions