Use this reference to find which conformity regimes apply to an electronic or electrical product (SIC divisions 26 and 27). Read off your product features, note each regime that bites, then open the linked detail. For the full placing-on-market procedure, see Place electronic and electrical products on the GB market.
One scope rule runs throughout. Product safety and the UKCA marking are a Great Britain matter (England, Scotland and Wales). The other regimes here — radio, electromagnetic compatibility, hazardous substances and metrology — apply UK-wide. Northern Ireland follows the EU rules and CE marking under the Windsor Framework, so check it separately.
Which conformity regime applies
Read off your product features to find the regime, regulator and scope.
| Product feature | Regime(s) that apply | Regulator | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mains-powered or any electrical product | Electrical and general product safety | OPSS | GB |
| Contains electronics (almost all products) | Electromagnetic compatibility, plus safety | OPSS | UK-wide |
| Intentionally transmits or receives radio (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) | Radio equipment regime (folds in safety and EMC) | OPSS; Ofcom for spectrum | UK-wide |
| All electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) | Restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) | OPSS | UK-wide |
| Plugs, sockets, adaptors, fuse links; appliances with a mains plug | Plugs and sockets safety | OPSS | UK-wide |
| Measuring or weighing instrument used for trade | Legal-metrology conformity | OPSS; weights and measures authorities | UK-wide |
Safety, the baseline regime
Every electrical and electronic product needs a safety route. Mains equipment is the most heavily regulated; products with no more specific regime fall back on the general safety baseline. This is the foundation the others sit on.
Electromagnetic compatibility and radio
Anything containing electronics must not interfere with other equipment and must tolerate interference. If the product intentionally uses radio, the broader radio regime applies instead and folds in safety and compatibility — assess it once, not separately.
Materials and components
Restricted-substance rules apply to all EEE. Separate plug-and-socket safety rules apply to mains connectors and to appliances supplied with a fitted plug.
Trade measuring instruments only
This regime applies only if you make instruments used for trade or official measurement — meters, fuel dispensers, taximeters, trade scales. General test and measurement instruments not used for trade do not engage it. If this is not your product, skip it.
Official sources
Regulator and statutory guidance for electronic and electrical product conformity