UKCA Marking - UK communicates on flexibilities

On 20th June 2022, the UK government announced some clarifications and changes to the introduction of UKCA labelling to facilitate the transition for manufacturers.

There are some exceptions to this guidance, for example medical devices and some construction products, so it is important that you check the specific guidance for your product.

Placing the UKCA Mark on products supplied to the GB market on or after 1st January 2023 remains a requirement, however the following easements will be applied:

1.    Conformity assessment activities undertaken by EU Notified Bodies before the end of 2022 will be considered as the basis for UKCA Marking into 2023

2.    Existing imported stock will not need to be re-tested and recertified.

3.    The UK will continue to accept spares onto the GB market which comply to the same requirements that were in place at the time the original products or systems they were being used to repair, replace or maintain were placed on the market.

4.    Legislation will be brought forward to extend current labelling easements to allow important information and other UKCA markings to be added to products using a sticky label or an accompanying documents until the end of 2025.

5.    For products originating from the EU, EEA and Switzerland, importer labelling may also be applied via a label or on accompanying documentation.

There is no change for the need to involve a UKAB (UK Approved Body) in conformity assessment, where indicated.