Postponed requirement for mandatory UKCA marking

The UK Government has recently confirmed that the mandatory UKCA marking is postponed until 1 January 2023. Thereby, businesses will have an extra year to start using the UKCA conformity marking, i.e., the UK ‘version’ of the European CE-marking after Brexit.

Originally, the UKCA marking was to replace the CE marking on 1 January 2022. Now the British government has changed its mind and extended the deadline to 1 January 2023. Until then, companies may continue to apply the CE marking. However, if they wish, they can also apply the UKCA marking. In any case, it should be one or the other, except for Northern Ireland where the UKCA marking is not allowed. There, the choice is between either the CE marking or the combination of the CE and UKNI markings.

After 1 January 2023, the UKCA marking will have to be used for placing safety-regulated products on the UK market. In the meantime, however, manufacturers/exporters exporting to the UK must still ensure to comply with new importer responsibilities, amongst others, regarding an authorized UK-based representative and associated legal responsibilities.

The government will continue to engage with manufacturers to ensure they understand what they need to do to get ready, including through a series of webinars or relevant guidance:

Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

More information:
Anja Jerovsek
E-mail: anja.jerovsek@siq.si
Tel.: +386 1 4778 147