United Kingdom · Chemicals

Chemical Import Notification in the United Kingdom

A practical guide to Chemical Import Notification for chemicals sold in the United Kingdom: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Importers may need to notify the authority before the first shipment of a regulated substance; Brands selling products that contain regulated substances

Authority

Health and Safety Executive

Legal basis

GB CLP Regulation

Local representative

A local registrant or authorised representative is usually required

Timeline

Before import or sale; registration timelines vary by volume

Cost

Dossier preparation and testing dominate the cost

If you do not comply

Import blocks, fines, and liability in serious cases

Who needs this

Importers may need to notify the authority before the first shipment of a regulated substance
Brands selling products that contain regulated substances

Documents you need

Import notification receipt
Substance inventory or registration dossier
Safety data sheets in the required language
Classification and labelling review

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

Import notification receipt
Substance inventory or registration dossier
Safety data sheets in the required language
Classification and labelling review

How to comply

File the import notification before shipping
Identify substances and annual volumes
Check registration, notification, or authorisation duties
Prepare safety data sheets and labels

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: Chemical Import Notification — United Kingdom
Product category: Chemicals
Authority: Health and Safety Executive
Legal basis: GB CLP Regulation

Documents we already have:
  1. Import notification receipt
  2. Substance inventory or registration dossier
  3. Safety data sheets in the required language
  4. Classification and labelling review

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under Chemical Import Notification in the United Kingdom?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Before import or sale; registration timelines vary by volume.

Dossier preparation and testing dominate the cost.

Common rejection reasons

Shipment arrived without notification
Substance not registered or notified
Safety data sheet missing the local language
Wrong hazard classification

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.

Official sources

FAQ

Who needs Chemical Import Notification in the United Kingdom?

Importers may need to notify the authority before the first shipment of a regulated substance Brands selling products that contain regulated substances.

What documents are required for Chemical Import Notification?

Import notification receipt; Substance inventory or registration dossier; Safety data sheets in the required language; and classification and labelling review.

What is the first step for Chemical Import Notification?

File the import notification before shipping. Before import or sale; registration timelines vary by volume.

How long does Chemical Import Notification take?

Before import or sale; registration timelines vary by volume.

How much does Chemical Import Notification cost?

Dossier preparation and testing dominate the cost.

What happens if I sell without it?

Import blocks, fines, and liability in serious cases.

Who regulates Chemical Import Notification in the United Kingdom?

Health and Safety Executive.