New EU legislation: impact on UK businesses

From 13 December 2024, new EU product safety rules impact UK businesses selling into Northern Ireland or the EU.

The General product safety regulations: Northern Ireland affect exports of certain products to NI and the EU and will adversely affect smaller firms who do not yet have in place the required documentation to meet the new rules.

UK businesses will now need representation in the EU to attest that the goods being imported into the EU or NI meet all regulatory standards. Whilst Many businesses will already have this in place post-Brexit, those who don't could face harsh penalties for non-compliance.  

The main objective of the new rules is to create a level playing field for all EU businesses, so they are not competing with goods that do not meet the required standards.

UK businesses will therefore need to ensure that they have:

1. Their own company set up over there with such a person in post
2. Using a distributor that will offer this service

Businesses which sell directly to consumers are unlikely to have a company or a distributor in place, such as a book seller for example, and will thus need to find an alternative solution.

What are the rules?

The rules require consumer products for the EU or NI to be safe, to be correctly labelled and have the right documentation.

Many businesses will already be in compliance with the rules, particularly where there are already product-specific rules in place, but new guidance has been published to ensure businesses can meet the requirements.

There are exemptions from the new rules on such items as human and veterinary medicines, food and feed, and antiques.

Where products are not in compliance with the new rules, an importer/distributor could help to provide appropriate documentation to ensure the product complies.

The new guidance also covers requirements for providers of online marketplaces to ensure they provide contact details and cooperate with relevant government bodies.

Further reading

General product safety regulations: Northern Ireland guidance

Contact us for expert guidance

Bishop Fleming's International Tax Team, partnering with our EU Kreston Global firms, can assist UK businesses in meeting the new rules.