Exporting to the UK: Extension of the deadline for UKCA marking

Our recent briefing note (available here) explained that CE product safety marking, which is required to sell certain types of goods in the European Union, was being replaced by the UKCA mark in Great Britain (GB) following Brexit. 

The UK government announced on November 14 that businesses have been given an additional two years to comply with the new UKCA marking requirements. CE marking can now continue to be used for certain goods placed on the GB market until December 31, 2024. UKCA marking is mandatory for goods placed on the GB market from January 1, 2025. 

To help businesses to reduce costs when transitioning from CE to UKCA marking, the government also announced that businesses may affix the UKCA marking and include importer information for products from European Economic Area (EEA) countries on an accompanying document or label (as opposed the product itself) until December 31, 2027. 

These extended deadlines do not apply to all goods which fall within the scope of UKCA marking legislation. There are different rules for medical devices, construction products, cableways, transportable pressure equipment, unmanned aircraft systems, rail products and marine equipment. You should check the sector specific set of regulations that apply to your product.

The updated UK government guidance relating to UKCA marking is available here. 

Womble Bond Dickinson’s U.S. team works closely with WBD’s UK attorneys, who have been supporting clients with preparing for the transition from CE to UKCA marking. Please contact us with any questions about the UKCA transition or manufacturing goods for the GB market.