Post-Brexit Britain changed everything. CE marks are being phased out for UKCA. VAT rules shifted. And UK distributors jacked prices 25% claiming "tariff costs."
Ntaifitness ships CE-certified equipment to Felixstowe for £4,800/container—40% less than domestic. We handle UKCA transition. You save thousands.
CE vs UKCA: The Mark That Opens Doors
Until 2025, CE is accepted in the UK. After 2025, UKCA becomes mandatory. Ntaifitness equipment carries both marks. We provide declaration of conformity for both.
Most Chinese suppliers only have CE—they'll be locked out post-2025. Don't buy equipment that will be illegal in 12 months.
| Certification | Valid Until | Required After | Ntaifitness Status | UK Supplier Status |
|---|
| CE Mark | Dec 31, 2025 | Not required | ✓ On file | ✓ Most have |
| UKCA Mark | Valid now | Jan 1, 2026 | ✓ Certified | ✗ Many lack |
EXCLUSIVE TIP: The Northern Ireland Clause
CE marks remain valid in Northern Ireland indefinitely due to NI Protocol. If you have NI locations, you can buy CE-only equipment for those gyms and save 5% vs UKCA-certified.
Ntaifitness provides separate NI declarations. This loophole saves our UK clients £2,000-£5,000 per order. Act before 2025 when it closes.
VAT and Import Duty: The 20% Reality
Importing to UK: 0% duty on fitness equipment + 20% VAT. VAT is reclaimable if you're VAT-registered. On £80K order, you pay £16K VAT upfront but reclaim it next quarter.
Cash flow impact: £16K for 90 days. Ntaifitness offers VAT deferment via freight forwarder—pay VAT only when you collect goods. Costs 2% fee but preserves cash.
Felixstowe vs Southampton: Port Strategy
Felixstowe handles 40% of UK container traffic but is congested (4-5 day delay). Southampton is faster (2-3 days) but costs £300 more per container.
If you're north of London, ship to Liverpool—it saves £400 in inland transport.
| Port | Container Cost | Clearance Time | Best For |
|---|
| Felixstowe | £4,800 | 5 days | East England, value |
| Southampton | £5,100 | 3 days | South England, speed |
| Liverpool | £5,200 | 4 days | North England, Wales |
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Market
Do I need UKCA or CE certification for commercial gym equipment in the UK?
You need both CE (until Dec 2025) and UKCA (from Jan 2026) for commercial gym equipment in the UK. Ntaifitness equipment carries both certifications.
CE-only equipment will be illegal to sell after 2025. UKCA requires testing by UK-approved body (we use SGS UK). Always verify certificate numbers on official UKCA database.
How much VAT do I pay on imported commercial gym equipment to the UK?
Importing commercial gym equipment to the UK incurs 20% VAT plus 0% duty. VAT is reclaimable if you're VAT-registered. On £80,000 order, you pay £16,000 VAT upfront and reclaim it next quarter.
Ntaifensity offers VAT deferment (2% fee) to preserve cash flow. Always use freight forwarder who handles VAT payment—you don't want to pay HMRC directly.
Compare: Canada market and
Australia market.
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