If you're considering buying apparent cheaper non-EU (UK) specification power tools, imported from outside the EU (UK) you should read this important information first:

1. Unofficially imported Power Tools from outside the European Union (EU), inclusive of the UK, are not covered by manufacturer warranty.  Manufacturer warranty is only valid in the country or geographic region of sale.  Therefore an American specification Dewalt  or Makita drill has only a manufacturer warranty in America and not in the EU (UK).

2. Any importer (EU based seller) or exporter (non-EU based seller) who states that the non-EU specification power tools they are selling are covered by EU (UK) manufacturer warranty, are misleading you with totally incorrect information.

3. Non-EU specification power tools have not passed our EU safety standards and do not carry a CE mark:

Dewalt EU CE Label (UK/EU Warranty Item)

Dewalt Non-EU Label (Zero UK/EU Warranty Item)

Black & Decker EU CE Label (UK/EU Warranty Item)


Black & Decker Non-EU Label (Zero UK/EU Warranty Item)



Machines also often use different internal parts in different countries, hence EU based service points, such as Goodwins Power Tools or any other reputable dealer and service point, do not service or supply parts, or are under any obligation to do so,  for any non-EU specification power tools.

4. If you purchase a non-EU specification power tool from an EU (UK) based seller, otherwise known as the importer, then the warranty is the sole responsibility of the seller/importer.

5. If you purchase a non-EU specification power tool from a non-UK seller, such as an American based dealer, then you are classed as the importer.  This means that any warranty issue falls squarely on your own shoulders, which in effect means you have zero warranty and you will just have to fix it yourself!

6. By purchasing from a non-UK based dealer, making yourself the importer, you by default are then responsible for any import duties for the imported items.  And as such will be charged an import duty based on the parcel valuation price, if said stated price exceeds the maximum value stated by customs & excise. As well as the import duty you will also be liable for VAT on the import value ,which currently is 17.5% . This import duty and VAT bill can arrive via post at any time after the purchase has been made and is a legal requirement for you to pay.

7. Non-EU specification tools will not be serviced, repaired or looked at by Goodwins Power Tools or any of their servicing technicians.  These imports have not passed European safety tests and therefore will not be allowed anywhere near our workshops.  We also do not source or supply any spare parts for non-EU specification power tools.  (None of the many other service points and warranty agents are under any obligation to carry out work or supply parts for non-EU specification power tools.

8. In the event that you require spare parts for your non-EU specification power tool, you will have to source the parts from the original country of origin and incur all the costs and duties this implies.

9. In the event of an onsite or workshop accident involving the use of a non-EU specification power tool, there is a possibility that any insurance or damages claim could be compromised if it is found that the accident is due in part to the non-EU specification power tool being used at the time.

10. Manufacturers Statements on Non-EU goods (Just click to view):

Cordless Power Tools

1. In the case of cordless/battery powered tools, unless using standardised domestic batteries (AA's,AAA's etc), there is often hertz rating differences between genuine EU (UK) specification batteries and genuine non-EU (UK) specification batteries.  Using imported batteries from other non-EU regions of a different rating can reduce a battery's life by up to 25%.

2. Currently many manufacturers batteries have been copied and are being sold for less than the genuine manufacturers EU (UK) specification product, this practice is rife within the cordless power tool and laptop market.  Customers should be aware that the quality of these copies, some counterfeit, are not to the same standard as the original manufacturer's product and most certainly will not last as long and a complete false economy.

3. In the event that a power tool is damaged due to using a non-EU (UK) specification or non-genuine manufacturer's battery, the warranty could be invalidated and any repair could be at the customer's expense.  In other words if a cheap copy battery melts your drill/driver then that is your problem!

Counterfeit Power Tools

Unfortunately some unscrupulous individuals purchase, quite legally, cheap DIY power tools, many of which can be very similar in colour to branded names.  They then replace the original label with a branded label, this enables them to sell a £25 drill for £60 or more from the backs of vans, boot fairs or auction sites.... remember just because it has a branded label it doesn't mean it's genuine!  And just because a van has vinyl signwriting on it saying Boschman doesn't mean they are selling genuine Bosch tools from the back of it!  Just use your common sense and walk away.

Many times in the past we at Goodwins have been presented with a 3 week old drill for a warranty repair by an individual entering our premises.  Only for us to tell them that the power tool they have just purchased for £85 has just become an expensive door stop!

If you're going to purchase from an unknown source, then do your research before you part with your cash.   A Manufacturer's website or catalogue give a good indication of how a genuine item should look and often reference their labelling style, item number and serial numbers.  If someone is offering you a tool with no serial or model numbers on it then it has got to be fake.

Remember if in any doubt, don't buy it!  Make sure you consult a recognised reputable dealership when buying power tools, it's far better to be safe than to be sorry!


So always tread carefully when entering a minefield!



Be safe buy from a reputable dealership