UKCA Marking
UK Conformity Assessed — United Kingdom Product Compliance
Standard Introduction
UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is the United Kingdom's product marking for goods placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland). Introduced on January 1, 2021 following Brexit, the UKCA mark replaces the CE mark for products sold in Great Britain, though Northern Ireland continues to use CE marking under the Windsor Framework. The UKCA marking covers most products previously requiring CE marking, including electrical equipment, machinery, radio equipment, PPE, toys, and medical devices.
The UKCA marking process mirrors CE marking: identify applicable UK regulations, apply designated standards, conduct conformity assessment (self-declaration or through a UK Approved Body), compile technical documentation, issue a UK Declaration of Conformity, and affix the UKCA mark. The UK government has extended recognition of CE marking for most product categories, meaning many products can still be sold in Great Britain with CE marking. Products requiring third-party conformity assessment for the UK market must use a UK Approved Body rather than an EU Notified Body.
UK-Specific Marking
Introduced post-Brexit as the UK equivalent of CE marking, required for products placed on the Great Britain market (England, Scotland, and Wales).
CE Acceptance Extended
The UK government has repeatedly extended acceptance of CE marking for most products, reducing the immediate urgency of UKCA conversion for many manufacturers.
UK Approved Bodies
Products previously assessed by EU Notified Bodies may need reassessment by UK Approved Bodies for UKCA marking where third-party conformity assessment is required.
list_alt Key Facts
- Required for products placed on the GB market (not Northern Ireland)
- Northern Ireland follows EU CE marking under the Windsor Framework
- UK Approved Bodies replace EU Notified Bodies for third-party assessment
- CE marking still accepted in GB for most product categories (extended)
- UK-specific designated standards replace EU harmonised standards
- UKNI marking exists for Northern Ireland-specific situations
- Manufacturers need a UK-based Authorised Representative if based outside UK
Who Needs to Comply?
Manufacturers and importers placing products on the Great Britain market (England, Scotland, Wales) that are covered by UKCA-applicable regulations. Does not apply to Northern Ireland, which follows EU rules.
Key Requirements
Identify UK Regulations
Determine which UK product regulations apply (these mirror former EU directives but are now standalone UK law). Check if the extended CE acceptance period still applies to your product category.
UK Conformity Assessment
Follow the appropriate conformity assessment procedure under UK regulations. Use UK Approved Bodies (not EU Notified Bodies) where third-party assessment is required.
UK Declaration of Conformity
Prepare a UK Declaration of Conformity referencing the applicable UK regulations (not EU directives). Keep documentation for at least 10 years.
UKCA Marking Application
Affix the UKCA mark to the product or packaging. The UKCA mark has a distinct design different from CE and must not be confused with it. Minimum 5mm height.
Penalties & Enforcement
Non-compliant products can be removed from the market by local Trading Standards authorities. Penalties include product recalls, customs seizure, fines, and potential criminal prosecution under UK product safety legislation.