By leaving the European Union, the United Kingdom has adopted new regulations to replace those of community legislation. One of the major regulatory transitions was the move from the EU CE marking – which is a clear indicator that products conform to European product standards – to the newly created UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA). The UKCA mark is having a major impact on supply chains around the world and it is vital for any company trading with the UK to understand the regulations, testing and certification procedures relating to this marking.
Scope of application
From 1 January 2021, the UKCA mark officially replaced the CE mark in the UK. However, the CE mark will still be accepted until December 31, 2024.
The UKCA mark covers all UK markets, including Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland.
The UKCA marking applies to the following products:
- Toys
- Pleasure boats and jet skis
- Simple pressure vessels
- Non-automatic weighing instruments
- Measurement tools
- Elevators
- ATEX
- Radio equipment
- Pressure equipment
- Personal protective equipment
- Gas appliances
- Machinery
- Outdoor equipment
- Ecodesign products
- Aerosol
- Low voltage electrical equipment
When using UKCA marking for products, it is essential to consider that:
- the UKCA marking must be affixed to the product by the manufacturer or an authorized representative.
- the UKCA marking makes you responsible for the conformity of the product to the requirements of the relevant legislation
- Only the UKCA marking may be used to demonstrate compliance with relevant UK legislation
What are the differences between CE marking and UKCA?
The UKCA conformity and marking verification process is very similar to the CE one in Europe and requires technical requirements and conformity assessments according to the reference regulations (BS - British Standards). More marked differences concern some product categories for which the United Kingdom has introduced specific guidelines and conditions. In particular, the categories affected are:
- Medical devices
- Civil explosives
- Railway interoperability
- Construction goods
The UKCA marking process
These are the fundamental steps to obtain the UKCA marking for a product:
- Determination of the British Standards applicable to the product
- Verification of product conformity through testing and execution of other technical activities to ensure compliance with the requirements of the applicable regulations.
- For lifts and some other product categories, compliance verification must be conducted by a UK Approved Body.
- Creation of a technical file compliant with the requirements dictated by the UKCA regulations
- UKCA marking of the product
If the product is already equipped with an EU technical file, the necessary tests may be significantly reduced.
Can CE and UKCA products be marked at the same time?
Yes, it is possible to have both CE and UKCA markings on the same label for all those products destined for both Europe and the United Kingdom. Carrying out the procedures at the same time can lead to economic savings compared to carrying them out separately.
To request further information on this topic, write to info@sicomtesting.com
or call +39 0481 778931.
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Good morning,
According to the new Toy Directive and to evaluate a toy according to UKCA, is it possible to continue testing it using EN71 standards?
Good morning,
The standards of the EN 71 series are harmonized according to the Toys Directive and are therefore valid for demonstrating conformity according to European requirements, they are also "Designated standards" according to the UK regulations and therefore can be used for the purposes of the UKCA marking.
Best regards
Sicom Test
Good morning,
I would like to know what is the cost to obtain this UKCA certification and how long does this certification take?
Good morning,
Prices and times depend on the product you want to test.
Depending on the type of product, different "Regulations UKCA" are applied. For example, the EMC and Low Voltage Regulations apply to electrical and electronic devices connected to the electricity grid. If they also have radio functionality, they fall under the Radio Regulation which also includes the requirements of the previous ones.
The product must be tested to suitable designated standards to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the applicable Regulations.
The product documentation and reports of the tests carried out must be collected in a technical file.
The product declaration of conformity must be prepared and signed by the manufacturer.
Sicom Testing can carry out the tests for you and prepare the technical file and the declaration of conformity.
The indicative price can be €3,000 – €4,000.
In the event that the product has the CE marking, there is the possibility of considering some tests already carried out for the CE marking as valid with a consequent reduction in costs.
Best regards
Sicom Test
Can a UKCA marked product be sold in Italy?
Good morning,
The UKCA marking is not valid for the European Union market, to be marketed in the single market of the Union a product must have the CE marking, a product can have both markings but for marketing in the single market (therefore also in Italy ) only the CE marking is valid.
Best regards
Sicom Test
I would like information about the transition from CE marking to UKCA marking, keeping in mind that the product already has the CE marking
Good morning,
To affix the UKCA mark to a product already CE marked, it is necessary to evaluate which "UK Regulations" it falls under and which are the applicable "designated standards" of the United Kingdom. If these correspond to the European harmonized standards, the documentation package must be prepared technique for the United Kingdom and draw up the “UK Declaration of Conformity”, at which point the UKCA marking can be affixed.
In case there is not complete correspondence between the "designated standards" of the United Kingdom and the harmonized European standards, a technical evaluation must be carried out and any additional tests and/or analyzes must be carried out before preparing the technical documentation package for the United Kingdom and drawing up the “UK Declaration of Conformity”.
Best regards
Sicom Test