Regulations in the electronics industry

As the European Union (EU) is a customs union, you can buy most goods from other member countries without restrictions - although VAT and excise duty can still apply. For more information, see our guide on acquiring goods within the EU.If you import from outside the EU, you may have to comply with import licensing requirements and with common customs tariffs that apply across the EU. For more information, see our guide on importing your goods from outside the EU.

Import licencesImport restrictions can be product-specific or trade-specific. Many products are subject to product-specific standards and need to be supported by applicable certificates, product-specific licences and documentation.

Quite separately, quantitative restrictions or limitations and anti-dumping duties may apply to certain imported commodities. For more information, see our guide on anti-dumping and countervailing duties.For help identifying whether you require an import licence see our guide: do you need an export or import licence? You can use our UK Trade Tariff to find commodity codes to classify goods for import and export.


For information about sector-specific import regulations, see the page in this guide on environmental and safety regulations applicable to electronic imports.Find out which regulations and licenses apply to the electronics industry in the UK in the Your type of business section.Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) statusIn response to increased security requirements, HM Revenue & Customs has introduced a new status for businesses - AEO. While the scheme is not compulsory, companies that meet the requirements of the scheme will be registered as AEOs and can take advantage of the simplified customs procedures that relate to the security and safety of their goods in transit. Read our guide on Authorised Economic Operators.