UKCA is the UK product conformity marking for goods placed on the Great Britain market (England, Scotland and Wales). For most products, however, Great Britain still recognises the CE marking too, with no set end date.
In this article we explain what UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) is, which products it covers and what to check so you can legally place goods on the GB market. For a side-by-side look at the two markings, see CE and UKCA Marking in the United Kingdom.
1. What is UKCA?
UKCA is a marking that confirms a product meets UK standards on safety, health and environmental protection. It concerns products placed on the Great Britain market in the product groups covered by the UKCA/CE regimes – for most of them the manufacturer can choose either UKCA or CE (GOV.UK: Using the UKCA marking). A step-by-step walkthrough is in UKCA Certification: Does Your Product Need It?.
2. Which products does UKCA cover?
The UKCA/CE regimes span over 20 product types, including:
- Electrical and electronic equipment.
- Toys and children's products.
- Industrial machinery.
- Medical devices.
- Construction products.
- Radio and telecommunications equipment.
3. Has UKCA replaced CE?
The UKCA marking has been available since 1 January 2021, but it has not become the only marking. Under The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) Regulations 2024, the UK continues to recognise the CE marking for the Great Britain market – alongside or in place of UKCA – for most products covered by Department for Business and Trade regulations, with no set end date. Some sectors (e.g. medical devices, construction products) have their own rules, so check the current guidance for your specific product (GOV.UK). In Northern Ireland the CE marking (or CE and UKNI) applies.
4. How do you obtain UKCA certification?
If you opt for the UKCA marking:
- Make sure the product meets UK regulatory standards.
- Prepare the technical documentation, including specifications, test reports and a declaration of conformity.
- For certain products, arrange certification through a conformity assessment body approved in the United Kingdom.
5. What are the consequences of not having UKCA certification?
Products without the required conformity marking (UKCA or, where recognised, CE) and documentation cannot legally be placed on the GB market. This can result in:
- Customs clearance being refused.
- Financial penalties.
- Products being removed from the market.
6. How has Brexit affected the certification process?
Brexit brought changes to product conformity requirements:
- Importers must check whether the CE marking is recognised in Great Britain for their product or whether UKCA is required.
- The importer must check that the manufacturer has completed the required conformity procedures and marked the product, and must show their name and postal address on the product (or, where that is not possible and the rules allow, on the packaging or an accompanying document) (GOV.UK).
7. Support for importers and exporters
A customs agency does not issue the UKCA marking – the manufacturer is responsible for it and, where required, a conformity assessment body. On the customs side we can help with a correct goods description and classification and with the paperwork for import clearance into the UK, including information on product conformity. For electronics, also see customs rules for importing electronics into the UK.
Summary: how to prepare to meet UKCA requirements
- Check whether the CE marking is sufficient for your product or whether UKCA is required.
- Ensure compliance with UK safety and quality standards.
- Prepare complete technical documentation.
- Talk to an expert to make sure you meet all the legal requirements.
Not sure whether CE is enough for your goods? Get in touch and we will help you work out what to prepare before shipping.
Frequently asked questions
Has UKCA replaced the CE marking in Great Britain?
No. For most products covered by Department for Business and Trade regulations, Great Britain recognises the CE marking alongside or instead of UKCA, with no set end date (The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) Regulations 2024). Medical devices and construction products, among others, have separate rules – GOV.UK.
Does UKCA apply in Northern Ireland?
No. UKCA applies to the England, Scotland and Wales market. Northern Ireland has separate rules based on the CE marking (in some cases CE and UKNI).
Who is responsible for the conformity of a product imported into Great Britain?
The manufacturer is responsible for conformity assessment and marking. The importer must check that this has been done and show their name and postal address on the product, packaging or accompanying document, as required by GOV.UK.
Which products have separate marking rules?
GOV.UK lists separate rules for, among others, medical devices, construction products, marine equipment, rail, cableways and transportable pressure equipment. For such goods, check the current sector guidance before you ship.
Must the UKCA mark always be on the product itself?
As a rule yes, but for most sectors GOV.UK allows the UKCA mark to be placed on a label or accompanying document until 31 December 2027. This does not apply to medical devices or construction products.
Related guides
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