AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVE / UK RESPONSIBLE PERSON SERVICE

• Check the product category and whether UKCA is mandatory.
• Maintain English-language documentation compliant with GB law.
• Determine your role: manufacturer, importer, or distributor.
• Plan dual marking for products sold both in GB and EEA.
• Monitor sector-specific guidance and transitional deadlines to avoid compliance issues.

UKCA is the official product marking for England, Scotland, and Wales, indicating that a product meets GB statutory requirements for safety, health, and environmental protection. It has been in effect since January 2021. CE marking is the EU equivalent, required for products sold in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Northern Ireland (where UKCA does not apply).

Most products must display the UKCA mark to be sold in GB by 1 January 2025. Some exceptions exist, for example: medical devices, construction products, and certain transportable equipment, which have extended or sector-specific deadlines. 

CE marking may still be used indefinitely for 21 product categories in GB due to continued recognition under the Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment) Regulations 2024. 

Yes, products can carry both UKCA and CE marks, especially if sold in both GB and EEA markets. Dual marking requires compliance with both regulatory frameworks: technical files, standards, and Declarations of Conformity must reflect both GB and EU requirements 

UKCA applies to electromagnetic equipment, machinery, low-voltage electrical equipment, toys, pressure vessels, PPE, radio equipment, gas appliances, and more. Certain categories like medical devices, rail interoperability, construction products, and hazardous substances have specific rules.

CE marking applies to devices falling under EU directives such as machinery, medical devices, EMC, toys, and low-voltage equipment, but not to pharmaceuticals or food products.

• Manufacturer: Responsible for product design, applying UKCA or CE marking, retaining technical documentation, drawing up a Declaration of Conformity, and cooperating with authorities.

• Authorised Representative: May perform tasks on the manufacturer’s behalf such as affixing markings and maintaining documentation, but the manufacturer remains ultimately responsible.

• Importer: Ensures imported products comply, markings are correct, and documentation is retained.

• Distributor: Checks compliance and ensures safe storage and transport. 

Both UKCA and CE marking require preparation of a technical file containing: design and manufacturing information, risk assessment, applied standards, and a Declaration of Conformity. For UKCA, the documentation must be in English, and state compliance with GB legislation. For CE, it cites corresponding EU legislation..

• CE marking: Requires an EU Notified Body for higher-risk products.

• UKCA marking: Uses a UK Approved Body accredited by UKAS. Certificates from EU Notified Bodies do not support UKCA marking, and vice versa.

The mark must be visible, legible, and permanent; typically applied directly on the product, nameplate, packaging, or accompanying documentation if size is a constraint. The UKCA mark should not misrepresent the product or create confusion with other markings.

UKCA does not apply in Northern Ireland, which remains aligned with the EU market. Products there need CE marking; use of a UKNI mark is triggered only when a UK-based Approved Body conducts the conformity assessment..