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UKCA or CE marking in 2026: what exporters to Great Britain need

Since 1 October 2024, Great Britain has recognised CE marking indefinitely for 21 product regulations, so most exporters that already CE-mark for the EU can use the same marking on the GB market. UKCA marking remains an option, and some sectors, such as medical devices and construction products, follow their own rules.

Checked against official sources: 2026-10

At a glance

Main ruleThe UK recognises CE marking, alongside or instead of UKCA, where product regulations meet the UK's needs
Legal basisThe Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) Regulations 2024, in force since 1 October 2024
Scope21 product regulations, for example toys, radio equipment, machinery, ecodesign and RoHS
Own rulesMedical devices, construction products, cableways, marine equipment, rail products, transportable pressure equipment and uncrewed aircraft systems
UKCA markingStill allowed; at least 5 mm high unless the product legislation sets another size
UKCA on a labelUntil 31 December 2027, it may be on a label or an accompanying document instead of the product
Northern IrelandQualifying Northern Ireland goods with CE or UKNI marking have unfettered access to Great Britain
New frameworkThe Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025, in force since 21 July 2025

CE marking is still accepted in Great Britain

The UK government's guidance says that where the aims and requirements of product regulations meet the needs of the UK, the UK continues to recognise the CE marking, alongside or in place of the UKCA marking, for the Great Britain market. This was made indefinite by the Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) Regulations 2024, in force since 1 October 2024, which cover 21 product areas, among them toys, radio equipment, machinery, ecodesign and the restriction of hazardous substances in electrical equipment (RoHS).

For an exporter that already places CE-marked goods on the EU market under one of these regulations, this usually means the same CE-marked product can also be placed on the Great Britain market. The UK also passed the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025, in force since 21 July 2025, as the framework for future product rules.

Sectors with their own rules

The guidance lists sectors that do not follow the standard UKCA and CE approach, so check the sector guidance before shipping:

If you use the UKCA marking

UKCA marking remains available. Markings must be in their standard, recognisable form and at least 5 mm high, unless the relevant legislation sets a different minimum. Until 31 December 2027, manufacturers may put the UKCA marking on a label or an accompanying document instead of on the product itself. Products from Northern Ireland with CE or UKNI marking have unfettered access to the Great Britain market when they are qualifying Northern Ireland goods.

Step by step

  1. Find which product regulation applies to your goods, for example toys, radio equipment, machinery or low-voltage electrical equipment.
  2. Check that it is not one of the sectors with their own rules, such as medical devices or construction products.
  3. If the product is CE-marked for the EU under that regulation, you can keep the CE marking for Great Britain; keep your conformity documents ready for the importer.
  4. If you choose UKCA instead, follow the marking size rule and note that the label or document option ends on 31 December 2027.
  5. Ask your GB importer which economic operator details it needs on the product, its packaging or the documents, as the sector guidance sets these.

Documents you usually need

Common problems and how to avoid them

A buyer insists that the product must carry UKCA marking.

What to do: For the 21 product regulations covered, CE marking is recognised in Great Britain indefinitely; UKCA is an option, not a requirement.

A construction product or medical device is shipped with CE marking only.

What to do: These sectors follow their own rules; check the sector guidance for Great Britain before shipping.

The UKCA marking is only on a sticker.

What to do: That is allowed until 31 December 2027; plan to mark the product itself after that, unless the rules change.

The marking is printed too small.

What to do: The UKCA marking must be at least 5 mm high unless the product legislation sets a different minimum.

Sources

  1. Using the UKCA marking UK Government
  2. Product safety and metrology regulatory changes: UKCA and CE regimes UK Government
  3. Continued recognition of EU requirements, including CE marking, for placing products on the GB market UK Government
  4. Outside but aligned: CE marking to remain indefinitely recognised in the UK (5 June 2024) Hogan Lovells

Rules change often. This note is practical guidance based on the sources above, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the authority, your importer or a licensed customs broker before you ship.

Port codes by country

United Kingdom port codes (UN/LOCODE)
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Trade notes

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Common questions

Do I need UKCA marking to sell in the UK in 2026?

Usually not for Great Britain: for 21 product regulations, such as toys, radio equipment, machinery, ecodesign and RoHS, CE marking is recognised indefinitely since 1 October 2024. UKCA is an alternative.

Which products do not follow the CE recognition rule?

Medical devices, construction products, cableways, marine equipment, rail products, transportable pressure equipment and uncrewed aircraft systems have their own rules.

Can the UKCA marking be on a label instead of the product?

Yes, until 31 December 2027 it may be on a label or an accompanying document.

How big must the UKCA marking be?

At least 5 mm high, unless the relevant legislation sets a different minimum.

What about Northern Ireland?

Qualifying Northern Ireland goods with CE or UKNI marking have unfettered access to the Great Britain market.

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