Overseas brands selling into the UK must comply with specific packaging and labelling requirements that differ from EU, US and Australian regulations. UK packaging rules cover product labelling (country of origin, weight and ingredients or composition where applicable), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations for brands placing more than 25 tonnes of packaging on the UK market annually, and sector-specific rules for food, cosmetics, electrical goods and toys.
EPR for packaging is one of the most significant compliance requirements for overseas brands in recent years. Any brand that sells packaged goods into the UK above the relevant thresholds must register with a UK Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) and report the packaging they place on the UK market annually. Non-compliance can result in fines and enforcement action from the UK Environment Agency. The reporting threshold was lowered in 2024, bringing more small and medium brands into scope.
Product labelling requirements vary by category. For cosmetics, the UK requires the responsible person's name and UK address, a full ingredients list using INCI nomenclature, and compliance with the UK Cosmetic Products Regulation. For food products, UK-specific allergen declaration rules and nutrition labelling requirements apply. For electrical goods, the UKCA mark is required for products sold in Great Britain — the CE mark, which remains valid for Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework, is no longer accepted for Great Britain sales.