8 Common Questions Answered About the UKCA Mark
Updated: 04/10/200
Now that Great Britain has left the EU, the new UKCA markings have started to be rolled out to replace the existing CE marking as the required certification for products and machinery being sold or supplied to the UK market.
The change was introduced on 1st January 2021 and will become mandatory from 1st of January 2023 (Excluding the medical devices industry on which the deadline was extended to 1st of July 2023).
All these changes can be very confusing to understand, especially how the UKCA certification will be applied and who needs it. This is why we have answered some of the most commonly asked questions on UKCA marking in this blog – so make sure to read on!
1. What is the UKCA mark?
The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark is the new UK product marking which will be used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). This mark will cover most goods that have previously needed the CE marking.
The EU market does not recognise this mark and products that require CE marking will still need a CE mark to be sold in the EU.
For more information, the UK government guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukca-mark-from-1-january-2021
2. What does the UKCA Mark look like?
3. What products does the UKCA mark apply to?
The majority of products that are currently covered under the CE marking regulations and directives will fall under the scope of UKCA marking.
The product areas that the UKCA mark covers are as follows:
- Aerosols
- ATEX
- Ecodesign
- Electromagnetic compatibility
- Gas appliances
- Lifts
- Low voltage electrical equipment
- Machinery
- Measuring instruments
- Non-automatic weighing instruments
- Outdoor noise
- Personal protective equipment
- Pressure equipment
- Radio equipment
- Recreational craft and personal watercraft
- Restriction of hazardous substances
- Simple pressure vessels
- Toy safety
Some products are covered by the UKCA marking but have some special rules. These include:
- medical devices
- construction products
- cableways
- transportable pressure equipment
- unmanned aircraft systems
- rail products
- marine equipment
4. How companies can prepare for the introduction of the UKCA mark?
A few steps need to be taken to be ready for the introduction of the UKCA marking and this will depend on the current status of your business and your future market access requirements.
If your product needs the services of a notified body for third party assessment of conformity you will need to check whether your chosen organisation can offer the UKCA marking-related service.
The next step is to ensure the correct mark is displayed on your products labels.
CILS has years of experience working with labels that require the CE mark and are up-to-date with the latest regulations to advise you on your best options for updating your labels.
We are offering free artwork label re-design to enable you to incorporate the new mark onto your existing label design to ensure you are compliant.
To discuss your options in more detail talk to a specialist now.
5. What if a product already has a CE mark?
The UKCA mark came into force in January 2021 for all new products however, the UK will continue to accept the CE marking up to 1st January 2023 for existing products.
If you are supplying products to the EU market, it’s worth noting that the CE marking will still be required for these products and machinery.
6. How will the UKCA mark be used?
In most cases, the UKCA marking will be applied to the product (using a label) or product packaging. It may also be placed inside the product manual.
7. What documentation is needed?
A series of technical documentation is needed for the UKCA certification including record keeping which should show that a product is conforming to the requirements of the regulations that are relevant to it.
The information contained in these documents can include how the product is designed and manufactured, proof of the product conformity which shows how it has conformed to the relevant requirements, and the manufacturer's address.
Lastly, a declaration of conformity is required.
8. How will this affect my labels?
If you currently have the CE mark on your existing labels then these will have to be updated with the new UKCA mark sooner rather than later to ensure you stay compliant with the latest regulations.
We can help make the change over process as smooth as possible for your labels and are currently offering free label redesign artwork. This will help you make the necessary design changes to incorporate the new logo onto your labels. Speak to one of our label specialists to discuss your options.
This will ensure your label designs are up-to-date and ready to go once you run out of your existing stock and we can help you replenish your stock with new compliant labels making the process quick, efficient and reducing your cost.
Talk to a label specialist today to discuss your UKCA mark label design changes and why not make a forward order ready to prepare for the changes?
Got any more questions?
If you have any other queries regarding the UKCA mark and your labels then our team of labelling specialists are on hand to help. Send us an email enquiries@cils-international.com or call +44 (0)1903 219000.
