Product Labelling Requirements UK

What is the ukca Mark?

The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark is used to indicate that consumer products placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland) conform to relevant UK regulations. The UKCA mark applies to most products that previously required the CE mark, although some may be subject to additional specific requirements. For detailed information on product categories and rules, please consult the relevant documentation.

The UKCA mark has been in effect since January 1, 2021, and is currently accepted (alongside the CE mark). However, starting from 11:00 p.m. UTC on December 31, 2024, all relevant products placed on the Great Britain market must bear the UKCA mark. After this point, CE marking will no longer be recognized in Great Britain. This regulation applies to both online sales and products “targeted” at consumers in Great Britain. “Targeted” means consumers can purchase in local currency (GBP) and have the product delivered to a local address.

Timelines for Marking Requirements:

- Until 11:00 p.m. UTC on December 31, 2024, products may bear the UKCA and/or CE mark.

- After 11:00 p.m. UTC on December 31, 2024, products must only bear the UKCA mark.

What are the requirements for products placed on the Northern Ireland market?

Although Northern Ireland is part of the UK, the UKCA mark does not apply to products sold in the Northern Ireland market. Products for the Northern Ireland route can continue to use the CE mark, indicating compliance with EU regulations, except for certain specific products.

If a product placed on the Northern Ireland market requires mandatory third-party conformity assessment by a UK body, the UKNI mark must be affixed to show it has been assessed by a UK body. Note that the UKNI mark cannot be used alone—it must always be used together with the CE mark. If a product is intended for both the Great Britain and EU markets, both the CE and UKCA marks must be affixed.

What happens to existing products with the CE mark after the UKCA requirements take effect?

Products that were manufactured and affixed with the CE mark before December 31, 2024, do not need to be retested or re-labelled, and their CE certification can remain valid until either the certificate’s expiry date or December 31, 2027—whichever comes first.

How should merchants prepare for UKCA compliance?

Merchants must ensure all applicable products are UKCA-compliant by 11:00 p.m. on December 31, 2024, or risk having those products removed.

Recommended actions for merchants:

1. Check if the product requires the UKCA mark: Most products that previously needed a CE mark will also require a UKCA mark.

2. Confirm with the manufacturer that the product meets legal requirements and obtain the necessary technical documentation.

3. Ensure the product is clearly affixed with the UKCA mark.

4. Upload photos showing the conformity marks (CE, UKCA, and/or UKNI) to the product details page.

Merchants should refer to the UK government website for full guidance on conformity assessment and documentation.

What is the UK Declaration of Conformity?

The UK Declaration of Conformity is a required document for products bearing the UKCA mark. It is typically kept with the technical documentation and must be provided upon request by market surveillance authorities. The declaration must include:

- Name and address of the manufacturer or authorized representative

- Product's serial number, model, or type identification

- A statement from the manufacturer taking responsibility for compliance

- Information about the notified body involved in the conformity assessment (if applicable)

- Applicable UK regulations and technical standards

- Manufacturer’s signature and declaration date

How to affix the UKCA mark?

The UKCA mark should be affixed to the product itself, its packaging, or accompanying documents, depending on the relevant regulations. Until December 31, 2027, the UKCA mark may be printed on a label and affixed or attached to the product. After this date, the mark must be permanently affixed.

Requirements for using the UKCA mark:

- It must be clearly visible and legible.

- It must be affixed by the manufacturer or authorized representative.

- No other markings that may cause confusion may be placed on the product.

- The mark must be at least 5mm in height (unless otherwise specified by regulations).

How to upload photos of conformity markings?

Merchants must ensure applicable conformity markings are affixed to the product, packaging, or documentation. Then, take photos and upload them to the product’s Wish product details page.

How should merchants handle spare parts delivered to UK customers after January 1, 2025?

Spare parts used for repair, replacement, or maintenance of existing products do not require new certification or re-marking, unless there is a substantial change in performance or intended use. If such a change occurs, the product will be considered “new” and must comply with UKCA marking requirements.