What is UKCA Marking?

EU requirements in the UK

The UKCA conformity procedure and the UKCA marking was introduced to replace the European CE marking, due to the fact that United Kingdom is no longer a member state of the European Union. When the United Kingdom was a member state of the Union, CE marking was applicable, as European harmonisation legislation applies to all its member states. So, the question arises: when will the UKCA marking take affect and be enforced? The enforcement of UKCA marking has been postponed several times. Currently, the government is planning to enact legislation that would extend recognition of goods meeting EU requirements, including the CE marking, indefinitely, beyond December 31, 2024, for many product categories. This means that certain goods that meet EU requirements can continue to be placed on the UK market. 

Manufacturers will have the option to use either the CE marking or other recognized EU markings (where permitted), or the UKCA marking when supplying products to Great Britain. The following product categories, are regulated in the harmonised European product safety legislation, for which CE marking applies; and in the UK product safety legislation (Statutory Instruments) for which UKCA marking also applies:

• Toys
• Pyrotechnics
• Recreational craft and 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 outdoor use
• Aerosol dispensers
• Low voltage electrical equipment

These product certification requirements and guidelines aim to ensure compliance with the relevant standards and regulations for the UK market.

Specific UK rules

In the United Kingdom, specific regulations and guidelines have been established for various product categories to ensure their compliance with safety and quality standards. Here is a comprehensive list of the main product categories along with their corresponding specific rules and guidelines:

• Medical devices
• Rail products
• Construction products
• Civil explosives
• Marine equipment
• Cableways
• Ecodesign
• Transportable pressure equipment
• Hazardous substances (RoHS)

UK Authorised Representative

For most products intended for the UK market, it is a requirement to have an economic operator based in the UK. An economic operator can be the manufacturer, importer, authorised representative or distributor. In most cases, UK regulations mandate that importers, who introduce products into the UK market, must be clearly identified on the product or its packaging. Additionally, an UK Authorised Representative or UK Responsible Person can be designated to act on behalf of the manufacturer for certain tasks that the importer cannot or chooses not to perform.

UKCA Experts

UKCA Experts is our team specialised in the UKCA, the UK Authorised Representation (UKAR) and UK Responsible Person (UKRP). UKCA Experts is here to help you to navigate the compliance process, prepare the necessary documentation and verify that your product(s) aligns with the safety objectives outlined in the applicable UK requirements. This ensures your products can be confidently introduced to the UK market. If you need any services with regard to the UKCA, UKAR UKRP, our team is readily available, please feel free to contact us.