Electrical Goods Requirements: Plugs and Sockets

Plug Types

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.

Accepted

The following types of plugs will be accepted:

A UK 3-pin plug.
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.
An electronic device (e.g. camera/Kindle/mobile phone) supplied only with a USB cable.
An electric shaver, toothbrush, or similar appliance with a molded-on 2-pin Europlug.
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.
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.

Prohibited

The following types of plugs will not be accepted:

A non-UK plug (subject to specific exceptions detailed under 'Accepted').
A CEE 7/4 Schuko plug.
A non-UK plug supplied with a UK conversion plug that can be removed without the use of a tool.
A non-UK plug with a UK adapter.
An electronic device (e.g. camera/Kindle/mobile phone) supplied with a USB cable and a non-UK plug. .
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."