Under the Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994, it is a criminal offense to place on the market or supply in the UK an appliance which is not fitted with either (i) a UK 3-pin plug, or (ii) a non-UK plug permanently fitted with a UK safety-approved conversion plug. It is not enough, for example, to provide a 3-pin plug adapter or to make the origin of the appliance clear on the product detail page. A loose adapter in the box in which the product is supplied is not sufficient. Possible sanctions for breach are fines and/or imprisonment.
Electric shavers, electric toothbrushes, and similar appliances are specifically addressed in the Regulations and may be supplied with a molded-on 2-pin Europlug.
This page is for guidance only. As a seller you are responsible for complying with all applicable laws, including the above Regulations.
The following types of plugs will be accepted:
A UK 3-pin plug. |
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A non-UK plug permanently fitted with a UK
safety-approved conversion plug.
Important: The conversion
plug must enclose the fitted non-UK plug and only be removable by use
of a tool.
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An electronic device (e.g. camera/Kindle/mobile phone) supplied only with a USB cable. |
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An electric shaver, toothbrush, or similar appliance with a molded-on 2-pin Europlug. |
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An electronic device (e.g. camera/Kindle/mobile phone etc.) supplied with a USB cable and a UK plug as part of the same package. |
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An electronic device (e.g. camera/Kindle/mobile phone etc.) supplied with a USB cable and both a non-UK plug and a UK plug as part of the same package. |
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The following types of plugs will not be accepted:
A non-UK plug (subject to specific exceptions detailed under 'Accepted'). |
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A CEE 7/4 Schuko plug. |
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A non-UK plug supplied with a UK conversion plug that can be removed without the use of a tool. |
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A non-UK plug with a UK adapter. |
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An electronic device (e.g. camera/Kindle/mobile phone) supplied with a USB cable and a non-UK plug. . |
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An electronic device
supplied with a non-UK plug which explains the fact that it is
supplied with a non-UK plug in the product information and/or title
and supplies a UK adapter.
For example, product information states: "Please note: This is the EU version of the phone, supplied with an EU plug and a UK AC adapter." |
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