UKCA - A Mandatory Access Certification for Electronic Products after Brexit
Created At: 2022-01-28

I.What is the UKCA

-UKCA (UK CONFORMITY ASSESSED) MARKING

After the United Kingdom announced its departure from the European Union, UKCA is a new product mark in the United Kingdom since January 1, 2021, the official start of the use of the United Kingdom Conformity Assessment (that is, UKCA) certification mark.

Previously most products under CE control had to be marked with the UKCA mark if they were to be exported to the UK market.

UKCA applies to England, Wales and Scotland, but not to Northern Ireland.

II. When to start mandatory use of the UKCA logo

1. Time for the mandatory use of the UKCA mark.

January 1, 2021 mandatory implementation, so manufacturers need to immediately add the new UKCA mark on the sale of goods in the United Kingdom since January 1, 2021.

2.Transition period from CE mark to UKCA mark.

Before January 1, 2022, manufacturers can still use the CE mark, the transition period expires mandatory implementation of the UKCA mark.

3.The UKCA transition measures.

Before January 1, 2023, for most goods (except those subject to special rules), you can choose to affix the UKCA mark on the label or accompanying documents attached to the product. Sellers (whether manufacturers, importers or distributors) should take reasonable steps to ensure that the UKCA mark remains in place. Products that require UKCA and do not have it will not be valid (unless the CE mark is used by January 1, 2022).

From 1 January 2023, the UKCA mark must be applied directly to the product in most cases. Manufacturers will need to be prepared to set aside the location of the relevant design.

III. The requirements for UKCA logo placement

The above diagram shows the UKCA logo. The UKCA logo on the product requires special attention to the following points:

When the logo is enlarged or reduced, it needs to be scaled equally.

The height of the UKCA logo should be at least 5mm, unless different minimum sizes are specified in the relevant regulations.

The content of the UKCA logo needs to be clearly visible and easy to read, and permanent. For example, products that are exposed to high temperatures and require the UKCA mark will need to have a durable heat resistant label to ensure compliance with regulations.

IV. How to apply for the UKCA logo

UKCA certification process is the same as the CE certification process. There are six main steps:

1.To determine the product applies to the corresponding British regulations and standards.

The original CE certification is based on the provisions of the EU Directive. UKCA certification standards are based on British regulations. Compared with the original EU Directive, the new quasi-test comparison is as follows.

2.Self-verification of product conformity.

Self-verification of product conformity is assessed by the supplier itself, and the standard refer to the above corresponding UK regulations. The supplier verifies compliance, and then issues its own "Declaration of Conformity" with no verification from third-party organizations.

If the supplier CE mark is used based on self-declaration, then the UKCA mark can still be used based on self-declaration.

3.Determine whether or not to require the British Notification Body for conformity assessment.

After the completion of the Declaration of Conformity, according to the different products to determine whether the need for the British Notification Body for conformity assessment.

4. Testing the conformity of the product.

The above-mentioned third product such as the need for the British Notified Body for conformity assessment of the product, the supplier need to provide test samples, and samples need to pass the relevant regulatory requirements for testing.

Declaration of conformity needs to include the following.

(1) the name and address of the manufacturer (or its authorized representative).

(2) the serial number of the product.

(3) statement. Description of the manufacturer is fully responsible for the compliance of the product.

(4) the implementation of the conformity assessment process details of the agency.

(5) the product complies with the relevant regulations.

(6) the signature and date of issue.

(7) additional information.

In addition, it should be noted that

Relevant regulations are British regulations, not EU regulations.

British specified standards, rather than the relevant standards in the official EU documents.

5、Keep the required technical documentation.

6、The product is affixed with UKCA logo and issued with UKCA DoC.

Specific testing can be carried out by TUV, INTERTEK, SGS and other customer-approved authoritative testing organizations, you can also pay attention to the official website of the United Kingdom https://www.gov.uk to learn more about UKCA updates. And welcome to pay attention to our official website www.hbsocket.com to learn more Information about electronic and electrical products.

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