Buying and importing into the UK

We understand that buying and importing products from international brands can be challenging, rules and documentation requirements vary, depending on:Your country, its laws and regulations.The products you are importingThe country of origin of these productsAs a retailer on Faire, you are the importer of record, and are responsible for ensuring you have the right to resell the products you purchase on Faire, in compliance with UK law and regulation.We want to help you feel confident buying from international brands.This guide consists of tips and advice for UK retailers buying and importing international products into the UK.Please note, this resource is non-exhaustive and purely indicative.To learn about general international guidance (not UK specific), visit How to buy internationally on FaireHow to determine if you can buy, import and resell international products in the UKTo determine if the products you want to purchase from international brands can be imported, and resold in the UK, we recommend:Consulting governmental websites to check if there are any restrictions or specific requirements for importing the products you wish to purchase internationally:Look into any license requirements, or permit you may need as an importer when purchasing certain products. To learn more, visit Import goods into the UKLooking into potential restrictions enforced by your country, based on the country of manufacturing/origin of the products.Consulting legal counsel and/or a customs broker to determine your readiness to import given products from a given country.Documentation and compliance requirements for the import of international products into the UKUpon import of products, as the importer, you may be required to provide some information and/or documentation to support customs clearance of your order.You will find non-exhaustive guidance below, to help understand what falls under your responsibility as the importer, if requested by UK customs :Document typeRetailer responsibilityBrand responsibilityDocumentation specific to your company (if applicable and required)✔️License or permit to import specific controlled products✔️Proof of right to resell✔️Tax related identification for your company (VAT)✔️Importing registration number (EORI)✔️Completion and Signature of forms for import if applicable✔️Packing slip✔️Commercial invoice✔️Documentation or information specific to manufacturing practices or information (if applicable)✔️Product specific documentation (if applicable)✔️Faire does not possess or provide documentation or information specific to your company, your right to trade, purchase and import products into your country. This type of documentation has to be provided by yourself as the importer of record.Get an EORI numberThe “Economic Operators Registration and Identification” (EORI) number is a unique number used by businesses to identify themselves to customs authorities on customs declarations and other import documentation. Think of it as a customs registration number.Applying for an EORI number is free. Ensuring you are EORI registered falls under your responsibility as a business buying internationally.To learn more about how to apply for an EORI number, please visit How do I apply for an EORI number? You can update your EORI number in your account settings.VAT (Value added tax)When buying internationally on Faire, VAT will be applied to your orders based on where the brand is shipping the product from at the point of sale.The way VAT is applied for international orders may change depending on whether you are VAT registered or not. To learn more, please visit How will I pay VAT on my orders in the UK?Customs brokerAs a retailer buying internationally, you may contract a customs broker to help you with import regulations and compliance. If you have a customs broker, we recommend notifying the brand via Faire Messenger when you place your order, so they can include this on the commercial invoice prior to shipping your order.If your customs brokerage information is included on the commercial invoice, they will be contacted at the time of import to clear the package on your behalf.If your customs brokerage information is not provided on the commercial invoice, you will be contacted directly by the carrier to clear the package.If you do not have a customs broker and want to authorize carriers to clear customs on your behalf, you will need to draft a POA (Power of Attorney) letter, and share it with the carrier upon request. Please note, this applies to tightly controlled product categories.Tightly regulated product categories in the UKWhen importing into the UK, you are required to comply with import regulations as set out by the UK Government, including, but not limited to, regulations for controlled goods. Importing controlled goods into your country/region may require additional authorization or clearance. Below, we have listed some common controlled goods categories for which additional requirements may apply:Controlled goods : products that require licenses or permits for import, or additional documentation from the importer. There are special rules, and you may need to get licenses or certificates if you are importing any of the following: animal products, plants and plant products, high risk food, food supplements, cosmetics.Dangerous goods (DG): Substances that when transported are a risk to health, safety, property or the environment. Certain dangerous goods that pose risks even when not being transported are known as hazardous materials.Food products Food product means any substance, other than a substance used primarily for the purpose of imparting flavor, intended to be consumed by humans or animals. To learn more, visit the following UK government resources : Import goods into the UK, and Import, export and distribution of foodTo read more about importing food from the EU, visit Importing food and drink from the EU to Great BritainAnimal products An animal product is any material derived from the body of an animal, products containing animal substances. We recommend referencing the following UK government resources :Import goods into the UK:Import of products, animals, food and feed system (IPAFFS)Importing Food, drink and composite productsFor leather products (made of animal hide or skin), the UK has laws against leather products made of animals on the endangered species list. You can check if an animal is endangered by contacting the Animal and Plant Health Agency Centre for International Trade.Cosmetics and skin products : any substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body. Please visit the UK Government guidance around Making cosmetic products available to consumers in Great Britain and Office for ProductSafety & Standards guidance. We recommend communicating with the brands you purchase from to ensure they have taken the necessary steps for you to resell their products on the UK market.Plant and seed products. To learn more, visit Importing plants and plant productsMetal, Gemstones, and Jewelry products. As a general resource, you can visit : Import goods into the UK to check requirements for specific products.Kids and baby products. As a general resource, you can visit : Import goods into the UK to check requirements for specific products.Toys. Please consult the Toys (Safety) Regulations, more specifically section #7 : Obligations of importers. This resource explains that as the importer, you need to ensure the brand / supplier has followed the necessary steps for you to introduce toy products to the UK market.Food contact products (Any material intended to come into contact with food, that is already in contact with food, or that can reasonably be expected to come into contact with food): As a general resource, you can visit : Import goods into the UK to check requirements for specific products.Please note, this list is non-exhaustive and purely indicative. Faire takes no responsibility in updating these websites, the resources linked are governmental pages only.How do import duties work?Import duties are the retailers responsibility as the importer.All products imported from abroad can be subject to import duties and taxes.Import duties are calculated based on the type of goods being imported and the origin of the goods, as determined by the tariff codes provided by the brand. We may provide an estimate for the cost of import duties at checkout, and you will receive an invoice from the carrier upon import.Please note, brands are responsible for providing the correct tariff codes for their products. The import duties estimate generated by Faire relies on these tariff codes being accurate.In cases where import duties are covered by Faire in the context of a promotion or membership such as Insider, you will see free import duties at checkout, to learn more, visit What happens when Faire covers my import duties?What happens if customs agencies or carriers require additional information to import my order?If you order products internationally, and additional information or documentation is required for customs clearance, upon entrance of the products into the EU or into your country : you might be contacted by a customs agent, carrier, Faire, or the brand you ordered from to provide the necessary information to help clear customs.Here are a few things to keep in mind :You are the importer, the brand is the exporter.The customs agent and/or carrier may reach out to you via phone, or via Faire support on an email thread. The brand would most likely reach out via Faire Messenger.Faire cannot provide : documentation or information specific to your company, your right to trade, purchase and import products into your country. (i.e.: license, permit, certification, import declarations, etc.) This has to be provided by yourself as the importer.Orders can typically be “stalled” at a border for a limited time, (this tends to vary between 3 and 5 days maximum)As the importer, it is your responsibility to accept the order, and to facilitate import, providing any information required.If you are unresponsive, or fail to provide the required information/documentation/license, the customs agency may decide to return the shipment. (Return to Sender). This decision is outside of Faire’s control.Please note, Faire keeps record of failures to import international orders, as well as the cost associated with shipping these products back to the brands. Faire reserves the right to review your account as well as ability to order on the platform in accordance with our Terms of Service.

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Buying and importing into the EU

We understand that buying and importing products from international brands can be challenging, rules and documentation requirements vary, depending on:Your country, its laws and regulationsThe products you are importingThe country of origin of these productsAs a retailer on Faire, you are the importer of record, and are responsible for ensuring you have the right to resell the products you purchase on Faire, in compliance with EU and EU country specific laws and regulation.We want to help you feel confident buying from international brands.This guide consists of tips and advice for EU retailers buying and importing international products into the European Union.Please note, this resource is non-exhaustive and purely indicative.To learn about general international guidance (not EU specific), visit How to buy internationally on FaireHow to determine if you can buy, import and resell international products in the EUTo determine if the products you want to purchase from international brands can be imported, and resold in the EU, we recommend:Consulting governmental websites to check if there are any restrictions or specific requirements for importing the products you wish to purchase internationally.Look into any license requirements, or permit you may need as an importer when purchasing certain products. To learn more, visit Guide for import of goodsLooking into potential restrictions enforced by your country, based on the country of manufacturing/origin of the products.Consulting legal counsel and/or a customs broker to determine your readiness to import given products from a given country.Documentation and compliance requirements for the import of international products into the EUUpon import of products, as the importer, you may be required to provide some information and/or documentation to support customs clearance of your order.You will find non-exhaustive guidance below, to help understand what falls under your responsibility as the importer, if requested by an EU country’s customs agency :Document typeRetailer responsibilityBrand responsibilityDocumentation specific to your company (if applicable and required)✔️License or permit to import specific controlled products✔️Proof of right to resell✔️Tax related identification for your company (VAT)✔️Importing registration number (EORI)✔️Completion and Signature of forms for import, if applicable✔️POA letter (Power of Attorney) if applicable✔️Packing slip✔️Commercial invoice✔️Documentation or information specific to manufacturing practices or information (if applicable)✔️Product specific documentation (if applicable)✔️Faire does not possess or provide documentation or information specific to your company, your right to trade, purchase and import products into your country. This type of documentation has to be provided by yourself as the importer of record.Get an EORI numberThe “Economic Operators Registration and Identification” (EORI) number is a unique number used by businesses to identify themselves to customs authorities on customs declarations and other import documentation. Think of it as a customs registration number.Applying for an EORI number is free. Ensuring you are EORI registered falls under your responsibility as a business buying internationally.To learn more about how to apply for an EORI number, please visit How do I apply for an EORI number? You can update your EORI number in your account settings.VAT (Value added tax)When buying internationally on Faire, VAT will be applied to your orders based on where the brand is shipping the product from at the point of sale.To learn more about how VAT is applied on international orders, visit How do I pay VAT on orders in the EU?Please note : Non VAT registered retailers in France receiving imported goods from the UK (and any other non EU Member State) are required to register for French VAT in order to self-account for the import VAT arising on the supply. Once registered, retailers will not be able to reclaim this import VAT if they wish to continue to apply the de minimis small business threshold (i.e. where they wish to continue to make supplies within France without VAT).For more information on VAT implications for your business, we recommend consulting your tax advisor.Customs brokerAs a retailer buying internationally, you may contract a customs broker to help you with import regulations and compliance. If you have a customs broker, we recommend notifying the brand via Faire Messenger when you place your order, so they can include this on the commercial invoice prior to shipping your order.If your customs brokerage information is included on the commercial invoice, they will be contacted at the time of import to clear the package on your behalf.If your customs brokerage information is not provided on the commercial invoice, you will be contacted directly by the carrier to clear the package.If you do not have a customs broker and want to authorize carriers to clear customs on your behalf, you will need to draft a POA (Power of Attorney) letter, and share it with the carrier upon request. Please note, this applies to tightly controlled product categories.Tightly regulated product categories in the EUWhen importing into the EU, you are required to comply with any import regulations as set out by your country’s Government, including, but not limited to, regulations for controlled goods. Importing controlled goods into your country/region may require additional authorization or clearance.Below, we have listed some common controlled goods categories for which additional requirements may apply.Please note that guidance and requirements may vary across different EU countries.Controlled goods : products that require licenses or permits for import, or additional documentation from the importer. There are special rules, and you may need to get licenses or certificates if you are importing any of the following: animal products, plants and plant products, high risk food, food supplements, cosmetics.Dangerous goods (DG): Substances that when transported are a risk to health, safety, property or the environment. Certain dangerous goods that pose risks even when not being transported are known as hazardous materials.Food products: Food product means any substance, other than a substance used primarily for the purpose of imparting flavor, intended to be consumed by humans or animals. To learn more, visit the following EU government resources :For general information on importing food products into the EU, visit EU entry conditionsA Health Check may be requested at customs to import food products, and the importer (retailer) is responsible for the additional fees.To find more product specific guidance, use My Trade AssistantAnimal products: An animal product is any material derived from the body of an animal, products containing animal substances. To learn more about importing products of animal origin, visitAnimal products: movements within the Union and entry into the EUAnimals and products of animal originVeterinary border controlTo find more product specific guidance, use My Trade AssistantCosmetics and skin products: any substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body.Fore more information on importing cosmetics into the EU, as a general resource, visit CosmeticsThe EU requires that all cosmetics products sold in the EU are registered in the Cosmetic products notification portal (CPNP). We recommend connecting with the brand on Faire Messenger to verify CPNP registration prior to ordering to avoid customs complications.A Health Check may be requested at customs to cosmetics, and the importer (retailer) is responsible for the additional fees.To find more product specific guidance, use My Trade AssistantPlant and seed products.For more information on importing plants and plants product from non-EU countries, visit Trade in plants & plant products from non-EU countriesTo find more product specific guidance, use My Trade AssistantMetal, Gemstones, and jewelry products To find product specific guidance, use My Trade AssistantKids and baby products To find product specific guidance, use My Trade AssistantToys Please consult the Toys (Safety) Regulations. More specifically, placing toys on the EU market. This resource explains that as the importer, you may need to ensure the brand / supplier has followed the necessary steps for you to introduce toy products to the EU market.To find more product specific guidance, use My Trade AssistantFood contact productsTo find product specific guidance, use My Trade AssistantPlease note, this list is non-exhaustive and purely indicative. Faire takes no responsibility in updating these websites, the resources linked are governmental pages only.How do import duties work?Import duties are the retailers responsibility as the importer.All products imported from abroad can be subject to import duties and taxes.Import duties are calculated based on the type of goods being imported and the origin of the goods, as determined by the tariff codes provided by the brand. We may provide an estimate for the cost of import duties at checkout, and you will receive an invoice from the carrier upon import.Please note, brands are responsible for providing the correct tariff codes for their products. The import duties estimate generated by Faire relies on these tariff codes being accurate.In cases where import duties are covered by Faire in the context of a promotion or membership such as Insider, you will see free import duties at checkout, to learn more, visit What happens when Faire covers my import duties?What happens if customs agencies or carriers require additional information to import my order?If you order products internationally, and additional information or documentation is required for customs clearance, upon entrance of the products into the EU or into your country : you might be contacted by a customs agent, carrier, Faire, or the brand you ordered from to provide the necessary information to help clear customs.Here are a few things to keep in mind :You are the importer, the brand is the exporter.The customs agent and/or carrier may reach out to you via phone, or via Faire support on an email thread. The brand would most likely reach out via Faire Messenger.Faire cannot provide : documentation or information specific to your company, your right to trade, purchase and import products into your country. (i.e.: license, permit, certification, import declarations, etc.) This has to be provided by yourself as the importer.Orders can typically be “stalled” at a border for a limited time, (this tends to vary between 3 and 5 days maximum)As the importer, it is your responsibility to accept the order, and to facilitate import, providing any information required.If you are unresponsive, or fail to provide the required information/documentation/license, the customs agency may decide to return the shipment. (Return to Sender). This decision is outside of Faire’s control.Please note, Faire keeps record of failures to import international orders, as well as the cost associated with shipping these products back to the brands. Faire reserves the right to review your account as well as ability to order on the platform in accordance with our Terms of Service.

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How do I apply a promo code to my order?

Some brands can create custom promo codes that they can personally share with their retailers to apply to their order with that brand on Faire. Each promo code can be used one time, on a single order.Only one promo code can be applied to an order at a time. However, promo codes can stack with other shop-wide promotions, product-specific promotions that the brand is running at the same time, and any Faire-funded promotions that your order qualifies for.Promo codes are a beta feature. This functionality isn’t currently available to all of our brands. We look forward to bringing this feature to more of our brands very soon.Where do I add a promo code to my order?Brand promo codes can be applied at checkout from desktop or the Faire mobile app. To add a promo code to your order, enter the promo code in the form field titled Promo code below the Order summary, and then click Apply.If the promo code is applied successfully, you will see the promo code discount listed in the Order summary as well as added below the Promo code form field.To remove the applied promo code, click Remove to the right of the promo code listed below the Promo code form field.From the mobile app:From desktop:Why wasn’t the promo code applied to my order?When a promo code is unable to be applied to your order, you will see an error message explaining the reason why the code is invalid.If you experience an error when applying a valid promo code to your order, please reach out to the brand directly using Faire Messenger. Because brands create promo codes from their Faire account, they will be the best resource to contact as a first step to troubleshoot. To learn more about Faire Messenger and how to use it, visit How do I contact a brand on Faire?Some reasons why a promo code may not apply successfully include:Promo code has expiredPromo code includes a typoPromo code has already been applied to a previous orderThe order subtotal does not qualify for the promo code promotion

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How are shipping costs estimated at checkout?

When checking out your order from a brand, you will see an estimated shipping cost included in the Order Summary. This amount does not determine the actual shipping cost that you will be charged, but is a predicted estimate calculated by our system based on different dynamic factors, including but not limited to:Product weight and dimensionsThe brand’s historical total shipping costsYour shipping addressThe available courier options to ship the order from the brand’s location to youThe actual shipping costs that you will be charged are applied after the brand ships your order. If your order is eligible for free shipping, a shipping cost estimate won’t be provided and instead, “free shipping” will be listed in the Order Summary.What if the estimated shipping cost is higher than I expected?Brands are in control of how they choose to ship their orders. If you are seeing estimated shipping costs at checkout that are higher than you expected in relation to the contents of your order, you can reach out to the brand through Faire messenger and ask about the following factors:Shipping method and speedAir expedited shipments will have a higher shipping cost than those transported by ground. If you are flexible with the shipping date, you can request for the brand to select a slower and less expensive shipping method.Where the order is shipping fromProduct/order weight and packagingHistorical shipping costs for retailers in your areaThe brand will be able to confirm if they anticipate shipping costs for your order to be lower than the estimated amount you see at checkout.If I’ve ordered from the brand before, can I expect the actual shipping costs to stay consistent?If you are reordering from a brand, you can refer to your past order invoices to find the actual shipping costs charged, which are applied after the brand ships the order. Although past shipping costs do not directly determine the shipping cost on your new order, past invoices can serve as a basis of comparison for future order shipping costs.When in doubt, we recommend that you contact the brand to ask if they have made any changes to the way they ship their orders since your last order with them.

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