Neuguard's CE/UKCA Marking Services
We have the capability of providing turnkey CE/UKCA marking services and can act as an authorised representative for your business within the United Kingdom.
UKCA Marking
Since Brexit, the UK has implemented a new conformity marking called UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking to replace the CE marking for certain products being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales). The UKCA marking applies to machinery and other products covered by specific UK regulations.
Here are the machine manufacturer's obligations for UKCA marking:
- Compliance with applicable regulations: Manufacturers must ensure their machinery meets the applicable UK regulations. The primary regulation for machinery is the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008, which is based on the EU Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC). Manufacturers should assess their machinery against the essential health and safety requirements outlined in these regulations.
- Affixing the UKCA marking: Manufacturers or authorised representatives must affix the UKCA marking to their machinery if it is intended to be placed on the market in Great Britain. The marking should be visible, legible, and indelible. The UKCA marking signifies that the machinery complies with the relevant UK regulations.
- UKCA Declaration of Conformity: Manufacturers must draw up a UKCA Declaration of Conformity for their machinery. This declaration declares that the machinery meets the applicable UK regulatory requirements and indicates the conformity assessment route followed. The declaration should be available upon request from market surveillance authorities.
- Appointing a UK Responsible Person: Manufacturers based outside the UK must appoint a UK Authorised Representative (AR) if they do not have a physical presence in the UK. The AR takes responsibility for ensuring compliance with UK regulations and acts as a contact point for market surveillance authorities (The Health & Safety Executive - HSE).
- Retaining technical documentation: Manufacturers must maintain technical documentation demonstrating that their machinery complies with the relevant UK regulations. This documentation should be made available to market surveillance authorities upon request. It typically includes information such as design specifications, risk assessments, test reports, and instructions for use.
- Cooperation with market surveillance authorities: Manufacturers should cooperate with market surveillance authorities, including providing them with necessary information and documentation to demonstrate compliance. They should address any concerns raised by authorities and take appropriate corrective actions, such as implementing recalls or product modifications if required.
- Traceability and record-keeping: Manufacturers must ensure that their machinery is traceable, and they should keep records of production batches, serial numbers, and other relevant information. This helps in identifying and addressing any issues related to safety or non-compliance.
It's important to note that the UKCA marking and related obligations apply to machinery placed on the market in Great Britain. Northern Ireland has a different set of requirements due to the Northern Ireland Protocol, where CE marking continues to be accepted for machinery placed on the market in Northern Ireland.
Manufacturers should stay updated on any changes to the requirements and seek guidance from the UK government or relevant authorities to ensure compliance with UKCA marking obligations.
CE Marking
The purpose of CE marking machinery within Europe is to ensure that machinery and equipment meet certain safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. CE marking is a mandatory conformity marking for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes the member countries of the European Union (EU) as well as Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
The CE mark indicates that a product complies with the essential requirements of applicable EU directives, specifically the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC). This directive establishes harmonised safety standards for machinery and aims to ensure a high level of protection for individuals and property.
By affixing the CE mark, manufacturers declare that their machinery meets the essential health and safety requirements of the Machinery Directive. These requirements encompass various aspects such as design, construction, operation, installation, and maintenance of machinery.
CE marking machinery serves multiple purposes:
- Safety: The primary objective of CE marking is to ensure the safety of machinery and protect users from potential hazards. The Machinery Directive sets out specific safety requirements, covering aspects such as electrical safety, mechanical hazards, noise emissions, and ergonomic considerations. Compliance with these requirements helps minimise risks and create a safer working environment.
- Free movement of goods: CE marking machinery enables the free movement of products within the European market. With the CE mark, manufacturers can demonstrate compliance with EU regulations, allowing their machinery to be sold and used across the EEA without further technical barriers.
- Market access: CE marking machinery is a prerequisite for placing products on the European market. It provides manufacturers with access to a large consumer base and facilitates trade within the EEA. Without CE marking, machinery may be subject to legal restrictions and limitations on sale and use.
- Consumer confidence: The CE mark instills confidence in consumers, indicating that the machinery meets the required safety standards. It assures buyers that the product has undergone assessment and fulfils the essential requirements, giving them peace of mind regarding its quality and safety.
- Legal compliance: CE marking machinery is a legal requirement for applicable products within the EEA. Non-compliance can result in penalties, restrictions on market access, or even product recalls. By obtaining CE marking, manufacturers ensure they comply with the relevant EU directives and meet their legal obligations.
It is important to note that CE marking machinery primarily focuses on safety requirements, and it does not guarantee the quality or performance of the product. Other certifications or standards may be applicable for assessing additional aspects such as quality management systems or specific industry requirements.
Despite Brexit, CE marking within the UK continues to be valid until 31st December 2024.
Why Neuguard?
Neuguard is a highly competent consultant specialising in the field of CE/UKCA marking for machinery. Neuguard and its partners possesses extensive knowledge and practical experience in navigating the complex regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance with the Machinery Directive/Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations and CE/UKCA requirements.
We understand the intricacies of the CE/UKCA marking process, including the necessary conformity assessments, documentation, and technical standards. By engaging our services, you can benefit from our deep understanding of the legal obligations and technical aspects involved. We provide comprehensive support, guiding you through every step of the process and assisting in the preparation of necessary documentation, risk assessments, and testing procedures.
With Neuguard, you can have confidence in your machinery's compliance and market access. Don't hesitate to contact us today for reliable and efficient assistance with CE/UKCA marking, ensuring your machinery meets all necessary requirements and maintains a competitive edge in the market.
Ensure Safety
Ensure Compliance
Reduce Downtime
Reduce Costs
How do we work?
Our CE/UKCA marking services start with a technical file review where we will either identify the required documents to be stored in the technical file or review any existing technical file information provided and perform a gap analysis.
Following a gap analysis, Neuguard will provide a PDF report on the current technical file status and if requested, can provide a quote to complete the technical file or parts of it as required by the manufacturer.
Neuguard and its partners have the capability of providing turn-key CE/UKCA marking services. Neuguard can also offer authorised representative services for your business if you are based outside of the UK.
