Where do I go for compliance check?

[apricot]

Hi,
I plan to create some items containing polymer crystal chemicals. Where should I go to check whether I’m allowed to import and sell this type of product? ChatGPT mentioned a company called REACH, but it has been impossible to get hold of them. Does anyone have any ideas where I should start?

Thank you.

 

[Data Swami]

I want to say department for international trade as a potential source to identify whether the importing of those chemicals is viable and the laws around them?

 

[Customs Geek]

Hi,
I plan to create some items containing polymer crystal chemicals. Where should I go to check whether I’m allowed to import and sell this type of product? ChatGPT mentioned a company called REACH, but it has been impossible to get hold of them. Does anyone have any ideas where I should start?

Thank you.

Hi
REACH isn’t a company it is the legislation that relates to chemical substances and products containing chemicals. www.hse.gov.uk/reach/about.htm

If you want to find out what the import requirements are you need to check out the UK tariff schedule. You first need to identify what the HS code is of the product you intend to import . Once you know this then you can find out the import requirements and necessary certifications needed. www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/find_commodity

 

[apricot]

Hi
REACH isn’t a company it is the legislation that relates to chemical substances and products containing chemicals. www.hse.gov.uk/reach/about.htm

If you want to find out what the import requirements are you need to check out the UK tariff schedule. You first need to identify what the HS code is of the product you intend to import . Once you know this then you can find out the import requirements and necessary certifications needed. www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/find_commodity

I've already been importing, so I asked my import company to provide an HS code. What I want to import is a scarf, and they gave me a scarf code. However, I'm not sure how reliable that is.

 

[Customs Geek]

I've already been importing, so I asked my import company to provide an HS code. What I want to import is a scarf, and they gave me a scarf code. However, I'm not sure how reliable that is.

Once you have a correct HS code go to the tariff schedule link I provided. This will tell you what requirements for import there is . The tariff schedule has far more information than just HS codes and duty rates if you look. If it’s a scarf it’s very unlikely to fall under REACH requirements.
Always check that the HS code is correct for the goods you import , as you as the importer are responsible for the accuracy of a customs declaration irrespective of whether you use a customs agent or not.

 

[DontAsk]

The exporter supplying you is the one who declares the HS code.

 

[Customs Geek]

The exporter supplying you is the one who declares the HS code.

That is a common misconception particularly by users of the fast parcel operators - the supplier may be responsible for declaring the hs code to the country they are exporting from but never the uk import . The exporting country HS code may not even be the same as that required in the UK. HMRC expects that the importer uses the correct UK number ( as well as values and quantities and manufacturing origin).
The uk importer is legally responsible for the accuracy of the customs declaration its only them that HMRC will pursue for an incorrect declaration. They certainly can’t pursue an overseas exporter.

 

[DontAsk]

Ok, but over never been asked for hs codes.

Probably a different level of importing.

 

[KVExp]

+1 on what @Customs Geek said on the tariff schedule. One thing worth adding is that the HS code classification question cuts both ways. As an importer you're right to double-check the code your supplier provided, since as noted above you as the UK importer bear legal responsibility for the accuracy of your import declaration regardless of what your overseas supplier declared on their end.

 

[Peter Morris]

REACH

REACH is the EU’s chemical regulation framework, but if you’re outside the EU, you’ll want to check your own national equivalent. Sometimes chambers of commerce or industry associations can also point you toward the right compliance body.

In short: start with official government trade and chemical safety regulators, then explore industry associations for practical guidance.

 

[apricot]

Thank you all. Claude suggested a company called SGS — they can carry out testing, review labels, and confirm whether the product is suitable for sale in both the UK and EU.

I hope I’m heading in the right direction! Wish me good luck!