We have had warning from the department who administer RoHS compliance [ www.rohs.gov.uk/ ] that they are looking very hard at the Airsoft sector of electrical imports.

Any item imported into the EEC has to conform to certain standards ( e.g. Lead levels in solder ) if it has any electrical components incorporated in it, or in the associated parts shipped with it in the package.

So for instance you might import a RiF which is RoHS compliant but if the sling in the box with it had the wrong kind of plating used on it to make it rust proof the whole parcel could be condemned as non compliant and appropriate measures enforced.

It is due to this that quite a few makes of AEG are no longer available in the UK. Some manufactures who's main markets are elsewhere, such as the USA where there is no RoHS compliance, do not think it worth while changing the specifications to comply.

RoHS compliance is only relevant to AEGs and AEPs ( electrical powered items ) if the motive power is provided by Spring or Gas its regulations do not apply to any of the package content.

RoHS compliance also does not apply to any item already imported into the EEC by a third party so if you purchase from a firm who has imported a non compliant product you are not at fault .HOWEVER evidence supporting that would be required by the enforcement authority , for example, producing for inspection purchase invoices and associated paperwork. A statement would be taken that COULD mean your attendance at a court for future criminal proceedings against fellow gamers.
The enforcement authority have the right and powers to enter premises without a warrant and without advance notice, within a reasonable time and seize anything (ie, your non compliant stock) if you dont have the correct paperwork for inspection, these include company records etc which may identify further or more offences.