The UKCA marking is a new UK product marking that is used for goods placed on the market in Great Britain. It covers most goods which previously required the CE marking. Businesses placing goods on the UK market will need to use the UKCA marking after 31 December 2022.
The new measures that will come into force are:
- Government will reduce re-testing costs for UKCA certification, by allowing certificates provided by EU (European Union) conformity assessment bodies (CABs) issued before the end of this year to be used as a basis for UKCA marking certification (including a specific arrangement for construction products, via the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities). This will prevent duplication and immediate increased costs for businesses.
- Government will make clear there is no need to re-test existing imported stock, as these products will be considered already placed on the Great Britain (GB) market. This will prevent the costly, and unnecessary re-labelling of existing stock for businesses.
- Government will make clear that spare parts that repair or replace goods already on the GB market can meet the same requirements as the goods that they repair or replace. This will allow products and goods requiring spare parts to continue to be maintained.
- Government will allow the UKCA marking and importer details to be added to products using a sticky label or on an accompanying document until 31 December 2025. This will allow business to adjust their product design to accommodate marking changes at a convenient and cost-effective time.
Note that these rules do not apply to all manufactured goods, and different rules apply for:
- medical devices
- construction products
- cableways
- transportable pressure equipment
- unmanned aircraft systems
- rail products
- marine equipment
Please note that these measures do not apply for Northern Ireland, as certain products will still need to comply with EU regulations, including CE marking if required. The conformity mark will depend on who is undertaking the conformity assessment.
A complete guidance and more information can be found at the following links: