Are You Ready for the UKCA Mark?

2022-08-15

Brexit ("British exit") was the withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU) on 2020-01-31. Such 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.

UKCA Marking:

During the 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.

Timeline:

- Until 2022-12-31, the grace period of CE marking in use in Great Britain after the Brexit.
- From 2023-01-01 to 2025-12-31, the UKCA mark can be placed directly on the product or on an accompanying document.
- From 2026-01-01 and after, the UKCA mark must be placed directly on the product.

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