Which certificates you need depends on the type of goods: industrial products need UKCA or CE marking, while food and plant products need an IPAFFS notification and, depending on the risk category, a health or phytosanitary certificate. Every consignment also needs an invoice, a packing list and an EORI number.
Contents
Bringing products onto the UK market means complying with the regulations that apply to your goods and holding the right certificates. Below we cover the most important certificates and documents for businesses importing goods into the UK.
UKCA or CE marking – a requirement for many products
After Brexit, the United Kingdom introduced UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking for products placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). UKCA has not, however, displaced the CE mark: for most product groups covered by these rules, Great Britain continues to recognise the CE marking – alongside or instead of UKCA – under The Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (gov.uk). The requirement is therefore UKCA or CE, depending on the product category. We cover the details in UKCA certification: does your product need it?
Which products does this cover?
- Including electrical and electronic equipment, machinery, toys and personal protective equipment.
- Medical devices, construction products and a few other sectors have their own rules – check the regulations that apply to your product.
How do you obtain UKCA marking?
- Carrying out the conformity assessment procedure required for the product – in some cases the manufacturer can self-declare conformity, in others a UK approved body must be involved.
- Preparing the technical documentation and declaration of conformity.
Food, plants and animal products
Food, feed, plants and products of animal origin are subject to sanitary and phytosanitary controls, and the documents required depend on the goods and their BTOM risk category (more: BTOM after Brexit).
- IPAFFS notification. According to GOV.UK, importers must pre-notify high-risk food and feed, including products of animal origin, arriving in Great Britain from the EU and non-EU countries; the only exception is imports from the Republic of Ireland (GOV.UK). The notification is made by the importer or an import agent. When goods need IPAFFS is explained in When do goods need IPAFFS and IPAFFS in 2026.
- Certificates. Controlled plants and plant products may need a phytosanitary certificate from the authority in the exporting country, and higher-risk animal products a health certificate (EHC). Whether a certificate is needed, and which, is checked for the specific commodity code in the UK Trade Tariff.
- Labelling. Food must carry labelling that complies with UK rules, including information on allergens and ingredients.
A practical guide for food exporters is in Exporting food to the UK – EHC, IPAFFS requirements and SPS checks.
Other consumer products
Many categories of consumer products (for example toys or cosmetics) are covered by separate product-safety and labelling rules. Voluntary certificates (such as ISO) do not replace the required conformity assessment, though they can help as evidence of due diligence. Always check the requirements for the specific goods before you ship.
Key documents supporting import
- Commercial invoice: a detailed description of the goods, their value and country of origin (mandatory invoice fields).
- Packing list: details of the number and type of packages.
- EORI number: required for customs operations in the UK (how to get a GB EORI number).
- Proof of origin: enables preferential duty rates – in EU–UK trade this is the exporter's statement on origin or the importer's knowledge (statement on origin and the REX system).
The most common mistakes
- Not knowing the requirements: importers often fail to check which conformity marking (UKCA or CE) and which documents are required for their product.
- Incorrect documentation: incorrectly completed documents can lead to delays and extra costs.
- No IPAFFS notification: goods that are subject to notification must be notified before they arrive in Great Britain.
When it is worth using an agent
A customs agent can help prepare customs documentation, classify the goods and work out which notifications and documents apply to your consignment. The certificates themselves (for example UKCA or health certificates) are obtained from the manufacturer, a conformity assessment body or the competent authorities. Get in touch to work out what to check before you ship.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need UKCA marking for the UK, or is CE enough?
For most product groups Great Britain continues to recognise CE marking alongside or instead of UKCA (The Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment) Regulations 2024). Medical devices, construction products and a few other sectors have their own rules, so check the regulations for your product.
When do I need to notify goods in IPAFFS?
Before arrival in Great Britain you must pre-notify, among other things, high-risk food and feed, including products of animal origin, from the EU and non-EU countries. The only exception is imports from the Republic of Ireland. The importer or an import agent makes the notification.
Do I need a phytosanitary or health certificate?
It depends on the goods and their BTOM risk category. Controlled plants and plant products may need a phytosanitary certificate and higher-risk animal products a health certificate. Check the requirements for your commodity code in the UK Trade Tariff.
What documents does every consignment need?
A commercial invoice, a packing list, an EORI number for customs operations and, if you want to claim a preferential rate, proof of origin (a statement on origin or the importer's knowledge).
Does an ISO certificate replace UKCA or CE marking?
No. Voluntary certificates such as ISO do not replace the required conformity assessment or product marking. The required marking follows from the rules for the category of goods.
Who obtains the certificates needed for import?
The manufacturer provides UKCA or CE marking and the technical documentation (with a conformity assessment body where required), and the competent authorities issue health and phytosanitary certificates. A customs agent helps with customs documents and with working out the requirements.
Related guides
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