The United Kingdom left the European Union on 31 December 2020, ending the one-year transition period. From 1 January 2021, the UK also left the European Single Market. This means businesses are now subject to changes in how they distribute and sell goods, regardless of any EU-UK trade agreement.
Impact on retailers
For most general retailers, changes to product regulation will be minor. Key product safety compliance responsibilities will now fall to businesses higher up the supply chain, such as UK-based manufacturers or importers.
Specialist retailers may be affected more significantly. If your business sources goods from the EU or EEA and brings them exclusively into the UK for resale, your responsibilities may have changed.
Retailers previously classed as distributors may now be considered importers. This change means you could have new legal obligations and liabilities, including duties related to product conformity and safety.
Ongoing regulatory changes
Changes to how the UK regulates goods outside the EU will be introduced gradually. Some changes are already in effect.
Highland Council Trading Standards is available to support businesses during this transition. We offer advice and can signpost you to further guidance.
Sources of advice
The following organisations have published guidance to help businesses understand their responsibilities. Note that these organisations do not provide direct advice to businesses.
- office for product safety and standards (OPSS) guidance notes
- chartered trading standards institute (CTSI) guidance on the Business Companion website
UK Government guidance
The UK Government has published detailed guidance on product safety and legal metrology regulations. These cover Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the EU.
- guides on specific product safety and legal metrology regulations for Great Britain
- guides on specific product safety and legal metrology regulations for Northern Ireland
- placing manufactured goods on the GB market from 1 January 2021
- placing manufactured goods on the market in Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021
- placing manufactured goods on the EU market from 1 January 2021
- moving goods under the Northern Ireland Protocol
- using the UKCA mark from 1 January 2021
- using the UKNI marking from 1 January 2021
- conformity assessment bodies: status from 1 January 2021
Getting further help
- contact your relevant trade association for advice
- contact your solicitor for legal advice, especially regarding changes to your product liability status
- email Highland Trading Standards for general advice at trading.standards@highland.gov.uk. Include as much detail as possible