CE and UKCA marking

What Do They Mean?

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CE marking is a European standardized mark that is mandatory for many products sold within the European market. It was introduced to establish a unified technical and legislative framework for trade across the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes EU countries along with Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

CE marking

The CE mark signifies that the manufacturer has declared the product's compliance with relevant EU directives and conformity standards. This means that even if a product is manufactured outside the EU, it can still carry the CE mark if it meets these standards. A CE-marked product adheres to the EU's requirements for safety, health, and environmental protection.

CE marking applies to a broad range of products, including electronics, medical devices, toys, construction materials, machinery, and lifting equipment.

It is illegal to affix a CE mark to a product that does not meet the applicable directives for its product type.

Lifting KnowHow CE marking logo

UKCA marking

UKCA Marking UKCA marking was introduced in the UK after Brexit, as the CE marking is being phased out over time. The UKCA mark (United Kingdom Conformity Assessed) is now required for many products sold in Great Britain and Wales. This marking indicates that the product complies with the UK's technical standards and regulations as defined by the UK market.

Lifting KnowHow UKCA marking logo

The Difference Between CE and UKCA marking on POWERTEX roundslings

The main differences between CE and UKCA marking lie in their geographic validity and the technical standards they represent:

  • Area of Validity: CE marking applies to products sold in EU and EEA countries, while UKCA marking is required for products sold in Great Britain and Wales (excluding Northern Ireland).
  • Technical Standards: CE marking is based on the technical standards and legislation relevant to the European market, whereas UKCA marking follows the British technical standards and regulations.
Lifting KnowHow CE and UKCA marking on Powertex fiber slings

A product can be both CE-marked and UKCA-marked if it is sold in both the EU and the UK. This dual marking is applicable to all our CE-marked POWERTEX products, for instance.

To obtain UKCA marking, manufacturers must ensure that their products meet the applicable UK technical standards and have them certified by a UK-accredited body.