Importing German industrial equipment to the UK changed significantly after Brexit. CE marking is being replaced by UKCA. Customs declarations are now mandatory. VAT rules have shifted. Here is what UK buyers need to know before placing an order with a German manufacturer.
CE vs UKCA: What You Need Now
German machines come with CE marking, which is still accepted in the UK until at least 2027 for most equipment. After that, UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking becomes mandatory. For now: CE is sufficient. Your German supplier does not need to do anything extra, but you should plan for UKCA if the machine will be resold or operated beyond 2027.
Customs & VAT After Brexit
- Customs declaration: Mandatory on ALL shipments from Germany. Budget EUR 50-150 for broker fees per shipment.
- Import duty: Most industrial machinery is 0% under the UK Global Tariff, but check your specific HS code.
- VAT: 20% payable on import, recoverable if VAT-registered. Cash flow impact: you pay VAT upfront and reclaim it 1-3 months later.
- EORI number: Your UK company needs one. Takes 5 minutes online, free of charge.
German Suppliers With UK Offices
- Siemens UK, full industrial catalog, Frimley HQ
- Bosch Rexroth UK, hydraulics, automation, St Neots
- KSB UK, pumps, Loughborough
- DMG MORI UK, CNC machines, Luton
- TRUMPF UK, laser cutting, Luton