Southampton Trading
Standards Imports
If you import products into the UK via the Port of Southampton, there are certain steps you need to follow, so your goods can be allowed to reach the UK market. Southampton City Council Trading Standards works in cooperation with the UK Government Office for Product Safety and Standards to ensure that goods intended for the UK market meet certain standards and safety regulations.
Please watch the guidance video below and visit the links beneath the video for more detailed information on what you need to do to prevent your goods being held up at the UK border.
A step-by-step guide to importing goods into the UK
How to bring goods into the UK from any country, including how much tax and duty you’ll need to pay and whether you need to get a licence or certificate. Read the step-by-step guide
Business advice
Southampton City Council can provide guidance on setting up systems to achieve compliance, identifying best practice and maintaining due diligence. For more information on how they can help your businesses comply with legislation and to trade fairly, visit the website.
What do they do?
The primary purpose of the Office for Product Safety and Standards is to protect people and places from product-related harm, ensuring consumers and businesses can buy and sell products with confidence. Visit the website
Product safety
If you import, produce or distribute goods, including second-hand, the law states they must be safe for the consumer to use. For a quick guide on how to ensure your products are compliant, visit the website.