Importing a custom made electrical product from China to the UK

[Stan512473]

Hi All,

I am looking for some help.

My background is in digital marketing - I have spent 10 years working in the corporate world, but feel I just want to be my own boss / also think I have a great idea.

I have found a supplier of a product on Alibaba, and worked over some months to engineer this to fit an entirely new market (one I am familiar with, and can test in with the prototype which they are shipping soon).

My plan in a line is 'bring products over, sell online via social media marketing/affiliate marketing, and existing distribution channels, and get a patent on the product'.

Obviously, things are never that simple.

I don't have a blueprint for a process and don't want to get caught out; things such as I will need to get products tested for safety, literally - where do you go for this and what should it cost me? Shipping costs/import duties I could maybe figure out looking at this forum, but what would I expect this to be? Then patenting a product seems expensive based on the lawyer fees.

Has anyone trodden this path before, can anyone offer any help please?

Thanks all!

 

[MOIC]

Hi @Stan512473

We carry out product testing to UKCA compliance, as well as overseeing production with China factories & door2door shipping. Please see the following links:

Product LAB testing

Product Testing & Certification in China | My Office in China

Lab UKCA & CE testing and certification for your China product, support and management for your factory manufacturing and import including shipping to UK.

myofficeinchina.com

Product Development

Technology Product Manufacturing in China | My Office in China

MOIC design and manufacture innovative audio & charging products to your design and specifications, including prototyping, testing & certification. OEM & ODM

myofficeinchina.com

Door2Door Shipping

Shipping from China to UK by Air, Sea, Train | My Office in China

Full support and management for China shipments and import including shipping by air, sea or train to UK from factory to warehouse.

myofficeinchina.com

For help with trademarking & patents, try the following link, you'll get help with approximate costs, timelines and assistance to fill in forms.

Trademarks

Register a trade mark

Protect your brand by registering it as a trade mark - how to apply, fees, responding to objections to your trade mark, using the ® symbol.

www.gov.uk

Patents

Apply for a patent

A patent registers your invention and lets you take legal action against anyone who makes, uses, sells or imports your invention without your permission.

www.gov.uk

If you need any advice, feel free to contact

 

[Stan512473]

If you need any advice, feel free to contact

Thank you for sharing these links. I don't suppose you can share any examples of companies you have done this for?

I have never imported before - I am looking to find a trodden path so to speak, so I will definitely reach out here to see what the process involves.

 

[Stan512473]

Also - have you got any pricing estimates I can look at? Thanks

 

[MOIC]

Hi Stan

I've sent you a DM.

Ron

 

[MOIC]

Just to keep this thread running and omitting any sensitive/confidential information, as this situation will potentially apply to other readers developing a product in China . . . .

In order to provide costs:

1. What is the product?

2. Have you carried out a supplier evaluation?

3. Does the product need UKCA compliance certification?

4. Have you agreed first order quantities with the supplier?


Please list the service(s) you think you'll need based on the links below:


All-in-1 Service

Your China Import Purchasing Consultant | My Office in China

Full support and management for China manufacturing and import including quality control and shipping to UK from factory direct to warehouse.

myofficeinchina.com

Individual Tailored Services

Importing From China Service Packages | My Office in China

Manufacturing & importing from China, management, quality control inspections, supplier evaluations & lists, consultant, product certification, shipping to UK

myofficeinchina.com

My advice is to first approve the sample, as there's usually minor adjustments to be made after testing, then when you're satisfied with the approved sample, carry out a supplier evaluation before giving any orders.

I would also look at online assistance, quality control and LAB testing as a minimum.

UK references are available.

Feel free to ask any questions here.

 

[GraemeL]

Thanks for the notes on this topic Ron @MOIC