Export regulations in the electronics industry

Regulations, charges or other restrictions may apply to electronics exports as they leave the UK and when they arrive at their destination country. It is important that you research both sides of the transaction.For more information, see our guides on exporting your goods outside the EU and dispatching your goods within the EU.

First, you need to classify your goods. Use of standardised classification codes makes it easier to check if any restrictions or charges apply. You can use the Integrated Tariff of the United Kingdom (the Tariff) to classify your goods. For more information, see our guide on the classification of goods.You can use our UK Trade Tariff to find commodity codes to classify goods for import and export.

Remember that in general it is much simpler to trade with other European Union (EU) countries than with countries outside the EU. This is because the goods are in free circulation. The EU is a single market and the UK is in a customs union, so you can trade with other EU countries without restriction although some local charges may still apply.


Some goods will be restricted for export, eg certain radio equipment, computers, transmitters and mobile phones. Office of Communications (Ofcom) licences cover certain radio equipment and mobile phones. Find information about radiocommunications licences on the Ofcom website - Opens in a new window.