After Brexit, Great Britain created its own UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark. The UK has since decided to keep recognising CE marking indefinitely for most product regulations, including electrical, EMC, radio, toys and PPE. That means many Indian exporters with valid CE files can sell in Great Britain without a separate UKCA. There are still important exceptions, plus UK-specific labelling and Northern Ireland rules. Global Approbation tells you exactly which applies to your product.
CE or UKCA? The 2026 Position
| CE accepted indefinitely in GB | Around 21 product regulations, including electrical equipment, EMC, radio equipment, toys, PPE, machinery, gas appliances and more |
|---|---|
| UKCA option | UKCA remains valid and can be used instead of, or alongside, CE |
| UKCA needed | Where a UK Approved Body certificate is used; construction products and medical devices follow separate UK rules and timelines |
| Northern Ireland | Follows EU rules under the Windsor Framework, so CE marking is required (UKNI marking in certain cases) |
| Legal framework | The Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 lets the UK update product rules and recognise EU requirements |
When a UK-Specific Route Still Matters
- Your conformity assessment was done by a UK Approved Body rather than an EU Notified Body
- Construction products, which follow separate UK rules
- Medical devices and IVDs, which are regulated by the MHRA on their own timelines
- UK-only standards, such as UK plug and socket requirements
- UK-only laws with no EU equivalent, such as PSTI and UK REACH
How Global Approbation Handles UKCA
- Route check. Confirm whether CE is enough for your product in Great Britain.
- Gap review. UK-only requirements such as plugs, PSTI and UK REACH.
- UK Declaration. UK Declaration of Conformity and UKCA marking where needed.
- Importer details. UK importer name and address labelling.
- Northern Ireland. CE/UKNI plan if you also sell in Northern Ireland.
UKCA: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell in the UK with only CE marking?
For most product regulations covering Great Britain, including electrical, EMC, radio, toys and PPE, yes. The UK recognises CE marking indefinitely. Exceptions include construction products and medical devices.
Is UKCA marking still valid?
Yes. UKCA remains a valid mark and can be used instead of, or alongside, CE.
What about Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland follows EU rules under the Windsor Framework, so CE marking is required there.
Do I still need anything UK-specific?
Often, yes. Examples include UK importer labelling, UK plug requirements, PSTI for connected devices and UK REACH for chemicals.
Regulations, standards and deadlines change. Scope, testing route and timelines are confirmed product by product after our applicability review. Global Approbation is a consultancy and does not itself issue certificates; approvals are granted by the relevant authority, accredited laboratory or certification body.