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Guide to UKCA marking

Find out what the changes are and how they could affect you

What is the UKCA mark?

The new UKCA (UK Conformity Assessment) mark is the new UK product marking required for products to go to market in Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland).  Northern Ireland is covered by the UKNI mark.

The UKCA mark is required for most goods that previously required the CE mark and demonstrates that a product conforms to all UK legislative requirements, and that appropriate conformity assessment procedures have been undertaken.

The UKCA mark will not be recognised in the EU market.  Products that require CE marking will still require CE marking if sold in the EU.  You can learn more about UKCA marking from the video below.  We have also included some downloadable resources which provide additional clarity.

UKCA deadline extended

Since the production of the guide below, the UK Government has announced an extension to the UKCA marking deadline in recognition of the impact Covid-19 has had on businesses.

The UKCA marking was due to be enforced from the 1st January 2023.  However guidance from the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) advises that manufacturers can still use UKCA marking but if they have not moved to UKCA yet then they have the option to remain with just the CE mark for the GB market until 31 December 2024. Supporting legislation has been drafted for release prior to the end of the year.

For the latest and most up to date information, please refer to government guidance https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukca-marking

How does UKCA marking impact ATEX?

Although the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement requires changes in product conformity assessments and product marking, changes for the end user are minimal.  Some of the changes include:

  • ATEX will be replaced with UKEX
  • References to EU Notified Body will be replaced by UK Approved Body
  • EU Harmonised Standards will be replaced by UK Designated Standards
  • The Ex symbol and Ex equipment marking largely remains unchanged
Learn more

Watch our short guide about UKCA marking 

This short video highlights the transition from the CE mark to the new UKCA mark.  Whilst there are many sources of information available, most centre on the requirements of the product manufacturer.  This guide is positioned from the perspective of the user of ‘Ex’ rated equipment and explains the impact of the new UKCA mark.

Please note:  Since the production of this video, the UK Government announced an extension to the UKCA marking deadline to the 1st January 2023.

A further extension has been granted to 31 December 2024.

Downloads

In addition to the video, we have created separate resources such as a sample equipment label which incorporates the new UKCA mark and UKEX marking, and a further explanation about the UKNI marking.

Summary of differences

Conformity declaration

Example label

UKNI marking

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