UKCA marking is a mandatory requirement for certain types of products that are sold within the United Kingdom (UK) after the end of the transition period between the European Union and the United Kingdom. UKCA marking indicates that a product meets the essential health and safety requirements set out in the relevant UK regulations.
Here is a guide on how to UKCA mark your product in the UK:
Determine which UK regulations apply to your product: The first step in UKCA marking your product is to determine which UK regulations apply to it. Depending on the type of product, it may be subject to different regulations such as the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) or the Machinery Directive.
Conduct a risk assessment: Once you have determined which regulations apply to your product, you will need to conduct a risk assessment to identify any potential hazards and the measures that need to be taken to mitigate them.
Prepare technical documentation: You will need to prepare a technical file that includes information on the design, manufacture, and performance of your product, as well as any relevant test reports and certificates.
Carry out any necessary testing: Depending on the type of product, you may need to have it tested by an independent third-party test laboratory to ensure that it meets the relevant standards and requirements.
Apply the UKCA mark: Once you have completed the above steps, you can apply the UKCA mark to your product. The UKCA mark must be affixed to the product itself, or to its packaging or user manual, in a way that is visible, legible and indelible.
Keep records: It’s important to keep records of your UKCA marking process, including the results of any testing and the details of the risk assessment, in case they are needed for future reference or in case of an inspection by UK authorities.
It’s important to note that while UKCA marking is mandatory for certain types of products, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer or importer to ensure that their products comply with the relevant UK regulations and carry the UKCA mark.
It is also important to note that products that were CE marked before the end of the transition period may continue to be sold in the UK without UKCA marking, until the end of the transition period for that specific product. Some products are allowed to be sold with CE marking until 2023 and some other until 2028.