Border & Customs Authorities
Our experts are ready to help you find the perfect solution whether it’s hallmarking, analytical testing or valuations,
Supporting border authorities to protect consumers and stop unsafe or non-compliant jewellery imports
The rise of global trade and e-commerce means that more jewellery and fashion items are entering the UK than ever before. Many of these products from precious metal jewellery to fashion accessories are imported from markets with varying standards of compliance. For border and customs authorities, this presents real challenges in protecting consumers and ensuring only safe, legal goods enter the UK market.
At Birmingham Assay Office, we partner with border and customs agencies to provide independent hallmarking expertise, compliance testing, and training that helps stop unsafe or non-compliant jewellery at the border before it reaches the public.
Your challenges...
Border and customs authorities face increasing pressure to:
- Identify and seize unhallmarked or counterfeit jewellery entering the UK.
- Prevent unsafe products containing excessive levels of nickel, lead, or cadmium from entering the consumer market.
- Ensure compliance with UK Hallmarking law, REACH, and GPSR regulations.
- Tackle the influx of counterfeit luxury goods being shipped into the UK via international routes.
- Access independent, technical expertise to support enforcement action.
- Upskill frontline officers to recognise hallmarking, product safety breaches, and counterfeit risks.
How Birmingham Assay Office supports you...
We provide expert, independent services to help luxury brands and fine jewellery businesses meet these challenges:
Hallmarking & Precious Metal Verification
- Expert verification of imported jewellery to ensure compliance with UK hallmarking law.
- Identification of counterfeit or misdescribed products at point of entry.
- Laboratory testing to confirm precious metal content and purity.
Product Safety & REACH Testing
- UKAS-accredited laboratory testing for nickel release, lead, cadmium, and other restricted substances.
- Ensures imported products comply with REACH and GPSR regulations, protecting consumers from unsafe jewellery.
- Independent reports that support enforcement actions and seizure decisions.
Training & Education for Customs Officers
- Specialist training in hallmarking law and how to spot non-compliant or counterfeit goods.
- Practical workshops tailored to customs needs, including live examples and testing techniques.
- Helps frontline staff act confidently at ports, airports, and distribution hubs.
Supporting Investigations & Prosecutions
- Independent expert evidence to support enforcement cases.
- Technical documentation that stands up in legal proceedings.
- Partnership approach that strengthens the credibility of customs enforcement.
to explore our services for border and customs enforcement.
Why choose Birmingham Assay Office?
- Heritage Authority – Over 250 years supporting enforcement of hallmarking and product quality laws.
- Independent & Impartial – UKAS-accredited testing and expert services trusted across the industry.
- Consumer Protection First – Services designed to prevent unsafe or counterfeit goods reaching UK consumers.
- Specialist Training – Tailored programmes for customs officers and enforcement teams.
- Proven Track Record – Experience supporting Trading Standards, Border Force, and government agencies.
“Need A Testimonial here there was none in the text given.“
Representative from
Border & Customs
Contact us
Birmingham Assay office
0121 820 0773
Address
1 Moreton St, Birmingham, B1 3AX