UKCA (UK Conformity Assessment) is a product marking that came to life in 2021 in Great Britain – England, Scotland, and Wales, replacing the European Union CE marking.
UKCA – basic rules
In most cases, the UKCA marking can be used where CE marking was. Specific requirements for the product’s parameters can be found in product-specific legislation. Products placed on the British market are required to comply with designated norms that replaced the European Union’s harmonized norms in Great Britain.
Although the UK’s requirements partly correspond with the EU legislation, manufacturers may use the EU harmonized standards to show that they have met the essential requirements of the EU Directive in cases where it remains aligned with the designated standard. In cases where these two systems differ, the manufacturers should take the necessary steps to make their products compliant with the British requirements before placing them on the UK’s market.
When is UKCA marking required? Products list
The UK government requires the UKCA marking for products belonging to the following groups:
- toys
- pyrotechnics
- recreational craft
- personal watercraft
- simple pressure vessels
- electromagnetic compatibility
- non-automatic weighing instruments,
- measuring instruments, measuring container bottles
- lifts, equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres (UKEX)
- radio equipment
- pressure equipment
- personal protective equipment (PPE)
- gas appliances, machinery
- equipment for use outdoors
- ecodesign
- aerosols
- low voltage electrical equipment.
However, for some product groups under UKCA marking, there are special rules. These are medical devices, rail interoperability, construction products, civil explosives, marine equipment, cableways, energy-using products, transportable pressure equipment, and hazardous substances (RoHS).
Since when is UKCA marking required?
Although the UKCA marking went into effect on January 1st, 2021, the transitional period – when the CE marking still can be used – lasts until December 31st, 2024. This time period is supposed to give companies time to adjust to the changes.
UKCA and CE
Until 2025 it will be possible to sell products with the CE marking in the UK. After that, it will not be possible. On the other hand, the UKCA markings can only be used in Great Britain. Therefore, products that only have the UKCA mark cannot be introduced to the European Union market.
Can you use UKCA and CE?
In cases where the product is designed for both British and European Union markets, UKCA and CE markings may be put on one product together as long as both are visible and fulfill Great Britain and European Union requirements.
UKCA documents
If the manufacturer could self-declare for the CE marking, they would still be able to self-declare for the UKCA marking.
The manufacturers are required to have documentation that will confirm that their product fulfills British requirements. The documentation has to be stored for 10 years after placing the product on the British market. The requirements for specific products can be found on the government website. Documentation should include basic information about the products, such as:
- how it was designed and manufactured
- how it meets relevant requirements
- the address of the manufacturer
- storage location as well as a technical specification.
UK Declaration of Conformity
The manufacturer has to prepare the UK Declaration of Conformity, which should contain the following information:
- Manufacturer’s name and full business address, as well as that of the authorized representative (if applicable)
- product and its serial number, model, or type identification
- a statement that the manufacturer takes full responsibility for the product’s compliance
- the details of the approved body which carried out the conformity assessment procedure (if applicable)
- the relevant legislation with which the product complies
- the date the declaration was issued
- the name and signature of the person authorized to sign on behalf of the manufacturer or their authorized representative
- the date the declaration was issued
- if applicable – supplementary information
Requirements for the UKCA markings
In most cases, the UKCA marking should be placed on the product itself or on its packing. Sometimes it may be placed in the manual or other supporting literature. The marking has to be clearly visible, legible, and indelible.
The product cannot have other markings, signs, or inscriptions affixed that may negatively impact the visibility, legibility, and meaning of the UKCA marking.
Who affixes the UKCA mark?
The marking may be placed on the product by the manufacturer, authorized representative, or the person marketing it under their name or trademark. The person affixing the marking takes full responsibility for conformity with the requirements of the relevant UK legislation.
The UKCA marking usage requirements:
- the UKCA marking is supposed to be easily visible, legible, and indelible
- the UKCA marking is supposed to be at least 5 mm in height unless a different minimum dimension is specified in the relevant legislation
- if a manufacturer reduces or enlarges the UKCA marking, the letters forming the UKCA marking must be in proportion to the basic version of the marking
Is UKCA mandatory in Northern Ireland?
The rules in Northern Ireland are different from those that are in place in England, Scotland, and Wales. For imported goods, the CE marking will still be accepted unless a UK-based body has placed the product on Northern Ireland’s market. In such a case, the UKNI (United Kingdom Northern Ireland Conformity Assessed) marking will be required.
Graphics: gov.uk
