UKCA: deadlines extended to 2023
Following the launch of the new UKCA mark, which replaces the CE mark, Government has recognised the need to allow UK businesses more time to adapt to the new rules. The exceptional trading conditions, pandemic and our exit from the EU have presented UK companies with seemingly impossible tasks to complete by the 2022 deadlines. The new deadline has been broadly welcomed as a sensible move to allow room to plan and allow for a sensible progression to the new mark.
What is the new deadline?
The UKCA marking came into effect on 1 January 2021. However, to allow businesses time to adjust to the new requirements, you now will still be able to use the CE marking until 1 January 2023 in most cases. The BPMA encourages all businesses able to make the necessary changes to continue working to their 2022 deadlines where possible, with the comfort factor of the extension to fall back on if needed.
What is UKCA?
The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is a new UK product marking that is used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). It covers most goods which previously required the CE marking, known as ‘new approach’ goods.
The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is a new UK product marking that is used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). It covers most goods which previously required the CE marking, known as ‘new approach’ goods.
How do I know if I need to use UKCA marking?
Selling goods in Great Britain
The UKCA marking applies to most goods previously subject to the CE marking. It also applies to aerosol products that previously required the ‘reverse epsilon’ marking.
The technical requirements (‘essential requirements’) you must meet – and the conformity assessment processes and standards that can be used to demonstrate conformity – are largely the same as they were for the CE marking.
The circumstances in which you can use self-declaration of conformity for UKCA marking are the same as for CE marking. If you were able to self-declare conformity for the CE marking, you will be able to do the same for the UKCA marking.
Check the list of areas where self-declaration is permitted.
You must use the UKCA marking from 1 January 2023. You can still use the CE marking until then.
The CE marking is only valid in Great Britain for areas where GB and EU rules remain the same. If the EU changes its rules and you CE mark your product on the basis of those new rules you will not be able to use the CE marking to sell in Great Britain, even before 31 December 2022.
Check whether you will need to use the UKCA marking by reading the guidance on placing manufactured goods on the market in Great Britain.
What about Northern Ireland?
It’s important to note that the UKCA marking alone cannot be used for goods placed on the Northern Ireland market. Different guidance on Northern Ireland can be found here.
Is UKCA recognised in the EU?
The UKCA marking is not recognised on the EU market. Products need a CE marking for sale in the EU. Find out how to use the CE marking.
When to use the UKCA marking
You only need to use the new UKCA marking before 1 January 2023 if all of the following apply. Your product:
- is for the market in Great Britain
- is covered by legislation which requires the UKCA marking
- requires mandatory third-party conformity assessment
- conformity assessment has been carried out by a UK conformity assessment body
What about existing stock?
This does not apply to existing stock. For example if your good was fully manufactured, CE marked and ready to place on the market before 1 January 2021. In these cases, your good can still be sold in Great Britain with a CE marking even if covered by a certificate of conformity issued by a UK body before 1 January 2021. These goods will need to be placed on the market before 31 December 2022.
To find out more about the new deadline and how to apply UKCA marking, visit Gov.uk.
BPMA member? Need further help? Contact the BPMA team for further guidance here.
