What is the newly created UKCA marking and what are the rules for its use?

The UK government has introduced the mark for products being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales).

The UKCA marking applies mostly to products that were previously subject to the CE marking. It also applies to aerosol products that previously required the reverse epsilon marking. The technical requirements (sometimes referred to as ‘essential requirements’) that must be met for the UKCA marking will depend on the product specific legislation for your product.

Products placed in the EU market will require CE marking, as the UKCA marking is not recognised.

The UKCA marking can be used now. However, to allow businesses time to adjust, you will still be able to use the CE marking until 11pm on 31 December 2022 in most cases.

Selling products in Northern Ireland

The UKCA marking cannot be used for products placed on the Northern Ireland market.

To find out more click here

Accepted markings for placing goods on the market in GB

Manufactured products being placed on the GB market until 11pm on 31 December 2022 = UKCA or CE

Manufactured products placed on the GB market from 11pm on 31 December 2022 = UKCA

Rules for using the UKCA image

UKCA marking logo

You must make sure that:

  • if you reduce or enlarge the size of your marking, the letters forming the UKCA marking must be in proportion to the version set out below
  • the UKCA marking is at least 5mm in height unless a different minimum dimension is specified in the relevant legislation
  • the UKCA marking is easily visible, legible and indelible

The UKCA marking can take different forms (for example, the colour does not have to be solid), as long as it remains visible, legible and maintains the required proportions.

UKCA marking labelling easement until 31 December 2025

The government intends to introduce legislation so that the UKCA marking can be placed on a label affixed to the product or on a document accompanying the product until 11pm on 31 December 2025. This will apply for most products requiring UKCA marking unless there are special rules in place for your specific product area.

For full details on using the UKCA marking visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukca-marking