What is UKCA marking?
What is the difference between UKCA marking and CE marking?
UKCA stands for “UK Conformity Assessed”. It is the British version of the European Union’s CE marking. CE, as well as the UKCA mark, are not quality indicators or certification marks. UKCA marking is a similar provision as the CE marking, however applicable for UK laws and the UK market. It must be considered as an implicit declaration from the manufacturer or brand-owner that his product complies with all UK laws and the applicable British conformity assessment procedures.
For which type of consumer products UKCA marking is applicable?
CE and UKCA marking are not applicable for all non-food consumer products. Most UK requirements match the directives and regulations for which CE marking is applicable. The relevant legislation for which UKCA-UK requirements match CE-marking EU requirements can be found here.
Legislation for medical devices, rail interoperability, construction products and civil explosives are subject of UKCA marking in the UK and CE marking in the EU and EEA. There are differences between the UK and the EU for these pieces of legislation.
One notable difference between the scope of UKCA marking is for aerosol dispensers. For aerosol dispensers, UKCA marking is mandatory in the UK in contrast to the EU market. Aerosol Dispensers placed on the European market may not bear CE-marking. Products that are not in the scope of one or more of UKCA marking regulations and or directives may not bear the UKCA mark.
Which marking must be used if a product is sold in the EU as well as in the UK?
You may use UKCA marking on the UK market from January 1, 2021. If the EU does not change its CE marking legislation before 31 December 2024, you may continue CE marking on the UK market. UKCA marking is not recognized in the EU. A consumer product may bear the UKCA marking next to the CE marking on the European market provided that an appropriate European conformity assessment is applied.
From which date UKCA marking is mandatory?
The UKCA marking came into effect on 1 January 2021. However, to allow businesses time to adjust to the new requirements, you will still be able to use the CE marking until 31 December 2024 in most cases.
The British government made detailed guidance for mandatory UKCA marking and appropriate use.
There is separate guidance for medical devices, rail interoperability, construction products and civil explosives.
