UKCA Marking - Extension of Grace Period Announced by the UK Government (Electrical & Electronic Products)

2021-09-09

Brexit ("British exit") was the withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU) on 2020-01-31. Such a complicated process of separation includes also the returning of the British-owned safety marking (now named UKCA) instead of the CE marking that has been in use in the UK for years.

The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is a new UK product marking that is used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). It covers most goods which previously were required the CE marking, known as "new approach" goods. Product areas covered by the UKCA marking include electromagnetic compatibility, radio equipment and low voltage electrical equipment.

The UKCA marking in fact came into effect on 2021-01-01 (one year after the Brexit). However, to allow businesses more time to adjust to the new requirements, the grace period for continuing to use CE marking is now extended until 2023-01-01 in most cases.

UKCA Marking:

During this grace period until 2023-01-01, CE marking can still be used, unless the product is covered by legislation which requires the UKCA marking.

In brief, products are required the UKCA marking if all of the following apply. The product:

is for the market in Great Britain;
is covered by legislation which requires the UKCA marking;
requires mandatory third-party conformity assessment; and
has its conformity assessment carried out by a UK conformity assessment body.

It is noteworthy that UKCA requirements do not apply to existing stock; for example, for the goods fully manufactured, CE-marked and ready to be placed on the market before 2021-01-01. In this case, the goods can still be sold in Great Britain with a CE marking even if covered by a certificate of conformity issued by a UK body before 2021-01-01. However, the goods will need to be placed on the market before 2022-12-31.

Deadline:

This could be the final grace period for CE marking in use in Great Britain after the Brexit, and it will end on 2023-01-01. All goods still carrying the CE marking will need to be placed on the British market before 2022-12-31.

References:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukca-marking#when-to-use-the-ukca-marking

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/brexit-guidance-for-businesses

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/placing-manufactured-goods-on-the-market-in-great-britain