Product marking
UKCA marking for manufacturers
After Brexit, many manufacturers expected to switch every product from CE to UKCA marking. That is no longer the picture. For many product types, Great Britain now recognises the CE marking indefinitely alongside UKCA, while some sectors follow their own rules. This guide explains where things stand and the steps to conformity whichever marking you use.
Not legal advice. Product rules differ by product regulation. The Department for Business and Trade's guidance "Placing UKCA or CE marked products on the market in Great Britain" and the regulations for your product are the authoritative sources. Rules for Northern Ireland differ.
Where things stand
- CE recognition continues. Under the Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment) Regulations 2024, Great Britain continues to recognise current EU requirements, including the CE marking, for a range of product regulations. The government said this covers 21 product regulations, including those for machinery, electrical equipment, electromagnetic compatibility, pressure equipment, equipment for explosive atmospheres, toys and personal protective equipment.
- UKCA remains available. Manufacturers can choose UKCA, CE or both for those products. A "fast-track" route lets a product be UKCA marked where it meets the recognised EU requirements and conformity assessment.
- Some sectors have their own rules. GOV.UK names sectors including medical devices, construction products, cableways, marine equipment, rail products, transportable pressure equipment and uncrewed aircraft systems. Check the specific guidance for each.
- Labelling flexibility. Legislation lets the UKCA marking be placed on a label or an accompanying document, rather than on the product itself, until 11pm on 31 December 2027.
- New powers. The Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 gives the government powers to update product rules in future, including recognition of EU requirements. Watch for changes made under it.
Which marking should you use?
| You sell to | Typical approach (for products in the recognised regulations) |
|---|---|
| Great Britain only | UKCA or CE. Many firms use CE if they may export to the EU later |
| Great Britain and the EU | CE, which the EU requires and Great Britain recognises for these products |
| Northern Ireland | CE (with the UKNI marking where a UK body did the third-party assessment); qualifying Northern Ireland goods can also be sold in Great Britain |
| Products in sectors with their own rules | Follow that sector's guidance; do not assume CE recognition applies |
Choosing CE does not remove UK obligations. You still need to meet the requirements for placing products on the Great Britain market, including information about the manufacturer or importer.
The steps to conformity
- Identify the product regulations that apply. A single product can fall under several, for example machinery, electromagnetic compatibility and restriction of hazardous substances. Each sets essential requirements.
- Check the conformity assessment route. Many products can be self-declared by the manufacturer. Others require a conformity assessment body. For UKCA, that is a UK approved body; GOV.UK's UK Market Conformity Assessment Bodies database lists them, and they are accredited by UKAS.
- Apply standards. Designated standards give a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements they cover. In most sectors they are voluntary; for construction products they are mandatory.
- Carry out the assessment and testing. Keep test reports and risk assessments.
- Compile the technical documentation. Design and manufacturing information, risk assessment, standards applied, test reports and instructions. GOV.UK says it must be kept for the period set in the legislation, typically ten years after the product is placed on the market.
- Draw up the declaration of conformity. A formal statement, signed on behalf of the manufacturer, identifying the product, the legislation and the standards. For UKCA, a UK declaration of conformity is required.
- Affix the marking. Markings must be at least 5mm high unless the regulations say otherwise, visible, legible and indelible.
- Keep conformity current. Review the file when the design, components, suppliers or standards change.
Roles: manufacturer, importer, distributor
| Role | Main responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Design and build to the requirements, carry out conformity assessment, keep technical documentation, draw up the declaration, affix the marking, add identification and contact details |
| Importer (bringing goods into Great Britain) | Check the manufacturer has done its part, add the importer's details, keep a copy of the declaration, cooperate with authorities |
| Distributor | Check products carry the right marking and documents before selling, and act on non-conformity |
| Authorised representative | Carry out tasks the manufacturer has mandated in writing, where the regulations allow |
A company that puts its own name on a product, or modifies a product substantially, can take on manufacturer obligations.
Components and industrial customers
Many engineering firms make components rather than finished products. Components are often not marked themselves, but the finished product maker will ask for the evidence it needs: material declarations, test data, declarations of incorporation for partly completed machinery, or restricted substance statements. Keeping this information against each part and lot makes those requests routine. Aerospace and defence items follow separate qualification rules; see AS9100 certification.
Common mistakes
- Assuming CE recognition covers every product. It covers the recognised regulations only; medical devices, construction products and other sectors follow their own guidance.
- A declaration that lists the wrong legislation. A UK declaration should refer to the UK regulations, not only the EU directives.
- A technical file that stops at the design. Changes to components and suppliers during production need to be assessed and recorded.
- Missing importer details on goods brought into Great Britain.
- Using a body without the right designation. Check the UK Market Conformity Assessment Bodies database for the product and procedure.
Common questions
Do we have to re-mark CE products with UKCA?
Not for products covered by the recognised regulations, where CE marking continues to be accepted in Great Britain. Check whether your product is in a sector with different rules.
Can an EU notified body certificate support a UKCA marking?
For products covered by the fast-track route, the government allows UKCA marking where the EU requirements and conformity assessment have been met. Check the product-specific guidance for how that applies.
Where does the manufacturer's address go?
Usually on the product, or where that is not possible, on the packaging or an accompanying document. The regulations for your product set the exact rule.
Do drones follow these rules?
Uncrewed aircraft follow their own class marking regime. See UK drone class marks.
Who enforces product rules?
Market surveillance authorities, including the Office for Product Safety and Standards, local trading standards and sector regulators such as the Health and Safety Executive for workplace products.
Last reviewed 2026-09-17