As a result of the UK leaving the EU, there has been changes to how businesses place manufactured goods on the market.
What is the UKCA marking?
The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is the new UK product marking that is used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland). It must be used to show that the goods are compliant with the UK regulations. The UKCA marking covers most goods which previously required the CE marking.
Who needs to use the UKCA marking?
Those who are selling goods within Great Britain, and previously needed the CE mark, will need to use the UKCA marking. Please note that the UKCA marking applies to goods that have previously needed the CE mark and additionally it is needed on aerosols which previously needed a ‘reverse epsilon’ marking.
When did the UKCA marking come into effect?
The UKCA marking came into effect on 1st January 2021.
When do businesses have to start using the UKCA marking?
Businesses have been able to use the UKCA marking ever since it came into effect on 1st January 2021.
However, businesses must use the UKCA marking from 1st January 2023. It has been confirmed that until then, in most cases, businesses can use the CE marking.
What do businesses need to do?
There are 5 key steps that businesses must take:
1. Check if your product needs the UKCA marking. You can check this by clicking here.
2. Check what the most appropriate route is for your business for conformity assessment. Some businesses will need to self-declare or use third party conformity assessment. You can check this by clicking here.
3. If your business requires third party conformity assessment, identify an appropriate notified body. You can do this by clicking here.
4. Draft the technical documentation and Declaration of Conformity. The UK Declaration of Conformity attests that the manufacturer or authorised representatives have ensured the safety of the product.
5. Affix the UKCA marking and prepare to place your goods on the market.
For further information on the UKCA marking, please click here.