To import imitation jewellery to the UK, you must make sure the goods meet the UK chemical limits for nickel, lead and cadmium, classify them under the right commodity code, and clear them with a customs agent or by registering yourself. The importer carries the legal responsibility, not the factory.
How to import jewellery to the UK is therefore mostly a question of preparation. The rules are summarised here, but confirm them with Trading Standards, GOV.UK and your customs agent, because they change.
Which UK rules apply to imitation jewellery?
Great Britain applies UK REACH, which restricts nickel release, lead and cadmium in jewellery. The limits follow the same structure as the EU rules. Nickel release must stay below 0.5 micrograms per square centimetre per week for post assemblies inserted into pierced ears, and below 0.2 for items in prolonged skin contact. Lead is limited to 0.05% by weight, and cadmium to 0.01%.
Our guides give the technical detail: EU nickel release limits and UK jewellery safety rules for importers. The test method is EN 1811, explained in the nickel release test.
General product safety law also applies. Consumer jewellery must be safe, traceable, and sold with your name and address on the product or pack. Children's jewellery needs extra care, including small-part and magnet rules.
Two practical points catch first-time importers. First, test reports should be on the finished product, not on raw metal, because plating, solder and findings all contribute to nickel release. Second, the report should name the product and the lot, so it ties to what is in the box. A generic certificate from the factory's own file will not satisfy a Trading Standards enquiry. Keep reports and supplier records for a period you can produce on request, and check the retention time with Trading Standards, since it can change. Our guide to reading a laboratory certificate shows what to look for.
What changes for customs and duty?
Imitation jewellery sits under commodity code heading 7117. The full ten-digit code and the duty rate come from the UK Global Tariff, which you check on GOV.UK. Do not rely on a figure from a supplier or an old article.
The India-UK trade agreement was reported to take effect on 15 July 2026, as of October 2026. If it applies to your goods, a lower duty may need proof of Indian origin. Ask your customs agent whether your commodity code qualifies and what origin document the factory must provide.
VAT is charged on import in addition to duty. Your agent will calculate it on the customs value. See the HS code for imitation jewellery.
What should you do before you order?
A short preparation list avoids the usual first-shipment problems:
- Register for an EORI number, which you need to import into the UK.
- Appoint a customs agent and agree the commodity code in advance.
- Ask the factory which base metals, platings and findings it will use, and have the finished pieces tested for nickel, lead and cadmium.
- Prepare the documents listed in the document pack your broker will ask for.
How do you make sure production matches the tested sample?
A passing test on a sample means nothing if the bulk order uses different materials. Read how to make sure your production lot matches the tested sample. Testing the bulk lot, not only the sample, is the safest approach for nickel-sensitive pieces such as earrings.
Next step
We find workshops, have the materials tested, check production against your sample and supervise loading. You handle UK entry through your agent. Book a free sourcing review to begin.