International markets
UKCA and CE marking in the UK: what manufacturers need to know
Updated guide to UKCA marking for UK machines: requirements, documentation and differences compared to CE.
Updated: April 2026.
UKCA marking has been a source of uncertainty for European manufacturers exporting to the UK. Much of the information published between 2021 and 2023 is now outdated or incomplete. This is why it is essential to think about the current regime, correctly distinguishing Great Britain, Northern Ireland, CE marking, UKCA and technical documentation. Reference
For machine manufacturers, the question is not only “I have to put the UKCA logo?”. The correct question is: what product requirements apply to my case, what marking is accepted in the target market, what documentation should I store and what statement should I provide to the customer?
Why update old information about UKCA
The old calendar that provided for the general obligation UKCA in close times has been modified. The British government has introduced a more flexible approach, with continued recognition of EU requirements in many sectors and the possibility to use routes such as the Fast-Track UKCA.
This does not mean that the theme is irrelevant. It means that each product must be evaluated according to the sector, the target market, the applicable standards and the type of assessment of the required conformity.
Great Britain and Northern Ireland: different markets
The UKCA marking covers Great Britain, England, Wales and Scotland. Northern Ireland follows special rules and, in many cases, continues to require logic related to the CE/UKNI. Per regime a machine destined to the United Kingdom is therefore necessary to clarify from the offer where it will be placed on the market and what documentary regime to apply.
CE marking, UKCA and continuous recognition
According to the updated UK guide, for several products you can continue to use EU requirements and processes for the CE marking for the purpose of placing on the market of Great Britain, as part of the continuous recognition. This aspect reduces the urgency of duplicating each certification, but does not eliminate the need to check case by case the applicable sector.
Fast-track UKCA
The Fast-Track UKCA allows, under certain conditions, to place the UKCA marking when recognized EU requirements and processes have been met. It is a useful tool for those who want to maintain the UKCA marking on the product or documentation, but must be applied in a manner consistent with industry regulations.
What a machine manufacturer needs to verify
- Identify the target market: Great Britain, Northern Ireland or both.
- Check whether the product is part of an industry covered by continuous recognition of the CE marking.
- Check whether Approved Body or third party procedures are required.
- Update statement, instructions for use, plates and documentation according to the chosen regime.
- Check UK designated standards and match with EU harmonised standards applied. Reference
- Store the technical file and evidence of conformity in a traceable way. Reference
Technical documentation and declarations
The UKCA compliance requires consistent documentation: UK Declaration of Conformity, applicable UK legislative references, designated standards or technical references used, manufacturer data, product description and, if necessary, reference to Approved Body. If the recognised CE system is used, EU documentation must be solid and updated.
How Waves Engineering supports manufacturers
Waves Engineering supports manufacturers in reviewing CE/UKCA documentation, identifying the applicable requirements, adapting declarations, checking technical standards and coordinating with any conformity assessment bodies.
FAQ
Is UKCA marking always mandatory for products sold in Great Britain?
Not in a general way for all products. You must check the applicable sector and updated rules for Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Is the CE marking still recognized in Great Britain?
The UK guide provides continuous recognition of EU requirements in different sectors. However, it is necessary to verify the specific product and the applicable regime.
Can I put both CE and UKCA?
In many cases it can be possible, but only if the product satisfies both regimes and documentation is consistent.
