After the United Kingdom became independent from European Union, new regulations came in place of former European rules. CE markings were one of the regulations replaced with Weee Consultation.
To implement UKCA marking on its products, organizations need to make an application and a declaration of conformity separate from the EU counterpart.
The UKCA marking became effective from January 2021 for all goods entering the United Kingdom. However, CE marking is continued to be allowed till January 2023 to give time to businesses to adjust their supply chain practices.
UKCA mark explained
UKCA is an abbreviation for United Kingdom Conformity Assessment, and UKCA marking is an image printed on products within the territories of the United Kingdom, excluding Northern Ireland. The markings are mandatory for all the products brought into the UKCA as it defines the quality benchmark for the country.
When applying the UKCA markings on products, it is significant to understand the following:
- The manufacturer or authorized representative can only print UKCA markings on products.
- The UKCA marking ensures the product’s conformity with relevant legislation.
- UKCA markings should be used to show UK legislation conformity.
UKCA Markings should be carried out by third-party service providers who are registered quality assurance organizations and who can adhere to the Environmental Compliance Database.
UK Declaration of Conformity explained
The UK declaration of conformity is to be completed by all manufacturers or agents acting on their behalf for products. It is a legal document that backs the products with UKCA markings.
The objective of the document is
- Declare the specific products imported and confirm the statutory compliances.
- Provides the manufacturer's or authorized agent's name and address, product information, and details of the conformity assessment body.
The declaration of Conformity document must be readily available for investigation purposes if required by the UK market surveillance authorities.
The information required in the UK Declaration of Conformity document is similar to the erstwhile CE document. It includes
- the manufacturer's name and address or of its authorized representative
- Product serial number, type, and model for identification
- A signed statement from the manufacturer confirms taking full responsibility for product compliance.
- Details of the third-party service provider, an approved organization for carrying out the testing and conformity procedure.
- Details of any specific relevant legislation that aligns with the type of product.
- Date, Name, and Signature on the declaration.
Difference between the CE Declaration of Conformity and the UKCA Declaration of Conformity
The CE and UKCA marking is pretty similar. It includes all the technical specifications and declaration of conformity. However, for example, there is a slight difference about
- For UKCA marking, the declaration must be made regarding conformity to any relevant statutory requirement. With CE marking, it is compulsory to state the product conforms with directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and Council of June 8, 2011, about restrictions on hazardous substances (ROHS) on electronic and electrical equipment.
Except for the above specific wording in the signed declaration of conformity, the CE and UKCA declarations are the same.
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