When CE marking is still accepted in Great Britain

Overview: the December 2024 policy change

The UK Government has indefinitely extended recognition of CE marking for placing most products on the Great Britain (England, Wales, Scotland) market. This means businesses importing or manufacturing products for sale in GB can continue using CE marking without a deadline to switch to UKCA marking.

This policy came into force on 1 October 2024 through the Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) Regulations 2024. It applies to 21 categories of product regulations.

What this means for your business

If you manufacture or import products covered by these regulations, you now have a genuine choice:

• Continue using CE marking if your products already comply with EU requirements
• Use UKCA marking if you prefer to demonstrate compliance with GB-specific requirements
• Use both markings if you sell to both GB and EU markets

There is no requirement to transition to UKCA marking for products covered by the indefinite recognition. The previous deadlines that would have required UKCA marking by 31 December 2024 no longer apply to these products.

Product categories with indefinite CE recognition

The indefinite recognition applies to 21 product regulation categories. If your products fall within these categories, you can use either CE or UKCA marking for the GB market with no end date.

Check whether your products are covered before deciding on your marking approach:

Checking if your products are covered

To determine if indefinite CE recognition applies to your products:

1. Identify the applicable regulation - Which of the 21 regulations applies to your product type?
2. Verify the product scope - Does your specific product fall within the scope of that regulation?
3. Check for exclusions - Is your product in a category with separate rules (medical devices, construction products, etc.)?

If you are uncertain which regulations apply to your products, seek advice from a testing house, notified body, or industry association. Incorrect classification can lead to enforcement action.

Products with separate rules

Not all products benefit from indefinite CE recognition. Several categories have their own transition arrangements and deadlines. If your products fall into these categories, you must follow the specific rules rather than the general indefinite recognition.

Medical devices: fixed transition deadlines

Medical devices have specific CE marking deadlines rather than indefinite recognition:

• General medical devices (certified under MDD before 26 May 2021): CE marking accepted until 30 June 2028
• Devices certified under EU MDR: CE marking accepted until 30 June 2030
• In vitro diagnostic devices: Deadlines vary by risk class - consult MHRA guidance

The Government is consulting on proposals to extend indefinite CE recognition to medical devices, but this has not yet been implemented. Plan for current deadlines until any changes are confirmed.

Construction products: extended but under review

Construction products have extended CE marking recognition, but the Government is consulting on a new regulatory framework. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has stated it will not enforce against UKCA marking based on EU notified body testing conducted before 31 December 2022. Monitor GOV.UK for updates on the construction products framework consultation.

Northern Ireland: different requirements apply

Northern Ireland follows EU product regulations under the Windsor Framework. The indefinite CE recognition policy applies only to Great Britain (England, Wales, Scotland), not to Northern Ireland.

Practical implications for UK-wide businesses

If you supply products across the whole UK, including Northern Ireland, you need to consider:

• For GB-only sales: Either CE or UKCA marking is acceptable
• For NI sales: CE marking is required; UKCA alone is not valid
• For UK-wide sales: CE marking alone covers both markets, or use dual CE + UKCA marking
• UK Approved Body testing for NI: If a UK Approved Body conducted conformity assessment, the UKNI marking must accompany the CE marking for NI market

Using CE marking remains the simplest approach for businesses selling across the entire UK, as it is valid in both GB and Northern Ireland.

Practical implications for your business

Importers from the EU

If you import CE marked products from the EU into Great Britain:

• Products already bearing CE marking can continue to be placed on the GB market
• No requirement to add UKCA marking or change conformity documentation
• Ensure your EU Declaration of Conformity is available for enforcement authorities
• Your name and UK address must appear on the product or packaging as the importer
• Keep records for at least 10 years

UK manufacturers

If you manufacture products in the UK for the GB market:

• You can choose CE or UKCA marking, or both
• CE marking requires conformity assessment against EU requirements by an EU Notified Body (where third-party assessment is required)
• UKCA marking requires assessment against GB requirements by a UK Approved Body
• For many product types, self-declaration is permitted for both marks
• If also selling to the EU, CE marking is required for that market (UKCA is not recognised in the EU)

Manufacturers outside the UK and EU

If you manufacture products outside the UK and EU for the GB market:

• Either CE or UKCA marking is accepted
• CE marking requires assessment against EU technical requirements
• UKCA marking requires assessment against GB technical requirements
• You need a UK-based authorised representative if placing products directly on the GB market

UKCA labelling flexibility

Until 31 December 2027, the UKCA marking can be placed on a label affixed to the product or on an accompanying document, rather than permanently affixed to the product itself. This flexibility allows businesses time to update manufacturing processes if they choose to adopt UKCA marking.

When to choose UKCA over CE

Although CE marking is now accepted indefinitely, there are situations where UKCA marking may be preferable:

• Your products are already tested to GB-specific standards that differ from EU harmonised standards
• You only sell to the GB market and want to avoid EU regulatory requirements
• You use a UK Approved Body and want marking that reflects this
• Future GB regulatory divergence from the EU may make UKCA more appropriate for your product category