Electrical goods import from USA

[Peter M]

I am looking to import some electrical equipment from USA. I am a complete novice and so I have a few questions - 1) would I need to get a British safety check on the equipment and how do I go about this?
2) The product does not have a UK patent but does have a USA one - is there a problem with selling this in the UK? 3) Does anyone have a good contact re advice for import costs within HMCE?

I think 3 questions is enough to start with. I would be very grateful for any advice.

Pete Murtagh

 

[compaq]

US electrical equipment operate on 110v. UK is 240v.

Thats your first and biggest problem.

Then the wall plug sockets are different. Unless stuff is going to be made specifically for the UK market, you are on a no go. Sorry.

Any product coming into UK needs a CE safety mark and thats down to the manufacturer to get not you.

Patents are irrelevent.

Cost, best to check with customs, because it depends on the product.

Are these products you want to bring legal in the UK, do they need any special licencing (as in radio gear).

Don't know what you intend to bring, so cannot offer anything more.

Good luck

 

[GraemeL]

If anything goes wrong with the product, expect a very expensive recall. WEEE regulations? My advice is that unless you are an expert - steer clear.