From 1 January 2021, the UKCA mark will start to replace the CE mark for goods sold within Great Britain. The CE mark will continue to be required for goods sold in Northern Ireland. Units already in the supply chain at the time the new rules come into effect can continue to be sold under the old rules.The UKCA marking applies to most products for which the CE marking can also be used. It also applies to aerosol dispensers and measuring container bottles for which the reversed epsilon marking can also be used.Many products require CE marking before they can be sold in the EU. CE marking indicates that a product has been assessed by the manufacturer and deemed to meet EU safety, health and environmental protection requirements. It is required for products manufactured anywhere in the world that are then marketed in the EU.
What is the difference between UKCA and CE : The CE mark is the equivalent of the UKCA mark in the European Economic Area (EEA). It was used in the UK until we left the EU. For most products, the CE mark can continue to be used instead of, or as well as, the UKCA mark.
Which countries need CE mark
CE Mark is mandatory for the following 27 Member States of the EU:
| Austria | Belgium | Bulgaria |
|---|---|---|
| France | Germany | Greece |
| Hungary | Iceland | Ireland |
| Italy | Latvia | Liechtenstein |
| Lithuania | Luxembourg | Malta |
When did CE marking become mandatory in UK :
| CE marking | |
|---|---|
| Effective region | European Economic Area, Turkey and United Kingdom |
| Effective since | 1993 |
| Product category | Various |
| Legal status | Mandatory |
The UKCA mark came into force in January 2021 and will be mandatory on relevant products from 1 January 2023. Up until then, the CE mark will be recognized in Great Britain to allow some time for transition.
Big news for manufacturers: the UK Government announced on 1 August 2023 that it will indefinitely recognize the EU's product conformity assessment mark (the “Conformité Européenne” or “CE” mark), with respect to a range of manufactured goods placed on the UK market.
Do all products need a UKCA mark
Products placed on the market in Great Britain must be UKCA marked, regardless of their origin with one exception: businesses in Northern Ireland will be in the unique position of being able to ship Qualifying Northern Ireland Goods certified to either the EU (CE mark) or UK (UKCA mark) rules into Great Britain.The process of CE marking will remain the same after Brexit. If your products are subject to self-assessment and self-certification now, this will stay the same after Brexit. The changes are because the UK will become a non-EU or 'third' country.CE marking is only mandatory for those products that fall under the scope of one or more of the European Commission product directives, known as the 'New Approach Directives' .
Not all products sold in the European Union (EU) need to bear CE marking. CE marking is only mandatory for those products that fall under the scope of one or more of the European Commission product directives, known as the 'New Approach Directives' .
Is the CE marking extended in the UK : UK Government announces extension of CE mark recognition for businesses. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has announced an indefinite extension to the use of CE marking for businesses, beyond December 2024. This applies to 18 regulations owned by DBT.
Where is CE required : CE stands for "Conformité Européenne", the French for European conformity. The mark is required in all 27 member states of the EU, as well as Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.
When did CE marking start in UK
1993
| CE marking | |
|---|---|
| Effective region | European Economic Area, Turkey and United Kingdom |
| Effective since | 1993 |
| Product category | Various |
| Legal status | Mandatory |
The European Union comprises 28 countries that require CE Marking. Three additional countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), although not officially part of the European Union, are signatories to the European Economic Area (EEA).
