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Guidance for importing machinery

Before you place machinery for consumer use on the market, you have a legal duty to ensure the products you supply are safe.

Examples of machinery which can be used by consumers include electric handheld power tools, such as electric drills, chainsaws and hedge trimmers.

Manufacturers, their representatives, and importers must ensure that machinery meets the essential safety requirements of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008. This can be achieved by demonstrating the machinery has been assessed against relevant safety standards. 

As an importer of machinery, you have a legal duty to ensure that the products you supply are safe. Guidance is available below to help you make sure the products you import are labelled correctly, are accompanied with the correct warnings and instructions, as well as making certain the manufacturer has carried out relevant procedures to ensure the goods are safe.

If you are an importer based in England, you can contact Trading Standards for further advice via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.