- Suvitha is a Regulatory Compliance Expert and Content Strategist with a deep understanding of UK and EU regulatory frameworks. At Euverify, she transforms complex legal and technical updates into clear, actionable guidance for businesses. Her work bridges regulation and communication, helping brands stay compliant, credible, and competitive in regulated markets.
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UKCA Declaration of Conformity: Free Template & Step-by-Step Guide
If you are placing products on the Great Britain market, you likely need a UKCA Declaration of Conformity. This document is your formal statement that a product meets all the relevant UK regulations. Getting it wrong can mean your products are pulled from sale, your listings suspended, or your shipments held at the border.
The problem? Many manufacturers and sellers are confused about what goes into a UKCA declaration of conformity, how it differs from a CE declaration, and whether they can self-certify. This guide walks you through every section of the declaration, explains common mistakes, and gives you a clear template to follow.
Key Takeaways:
A UKCA Declaration of Conformity is a legal document stating your product complies with applicable UK regulations. It is required for most products that carry the UKCA mark.
The declaration must include: your company details, product identification, relevant UK statutory instruments, standards applied, and a signed statement of conformity.
UKCA self-certification is permitted for many product categories — you do not always need a third-party Approved Body.
The UKCA mark and declaration are required for products sold in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). Northern Ireland follows EU rules under the Windsor Framework.
The CE mark remains accepted in Great Britain for most product categories until 31 December 2027, after which UKCA marking becomes mandatory.
Euverify provides free declaration of conformity templates and UK Authorised Representative services for non-UK manufacturers.
Who Needs a UKCA Declaration of Conformity?
You need a UKCA Declaration of Conformity if you place products on the Great Britain market that fall under specific UK product regulations. These include:
- Electrical and electronic equipment (derived from the Low Voltage Directive and EMC Directive).
- Toys (Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011).
- Machinery (Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008).
- Personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Radio equipment (Radio Equipment Regulations 2017).
- Pressure equipment.
- Medical devices (under separate UK MDR regulations).
- Construction products.
- Recreational craft.
This is not exhaustive. Any product that requires UKCA marking under a UK statutory instrument will need an accompanying Declaration of Conformity.
Who Does NOT Need a UKCA DoC?
Products not covered by specific UK product safety regulations (general consumer goods covered by the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 or the forthcoming UK product safety framework).
Products sold only in Northern Ireland (which follows EU rules — you would need a CE Declaration of Conformity instead, or a UK(NI) marking for products entering from GB).
Products sold only outside the UK.
UKCA vs. CE Declaration of Conformity: What Is the Difference?
Before diving into the template, it is important to understand the distinction.
- CE Declaration of Conformity
- Declares compliance with EU legislation (Directives and Regulations).
- Required for products placed on the EU market (and Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework).
- References EU Directives/Regulations (e.g., Directive 2014/35/EU for Low Voltage).
- References harmonised European standards (EN standards).
- Must name an EU-based manufacturer or authorised representative.
- UKCA Declaration of Conformity
- Declares compliance with UK legislation (Statutory Instruments).
- Required for products placed on the Great Britain market.
- References UK Statutory Instruments (e.g., The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016).
- References designated UK standards (often identical to EN standards but referenced as UK-adopted standards, e.g., BS EN 60335-1).
- Must name the manufacturer and, for non-UK manufacturers, a UK Authorised Representative or UK Responsible Person.
Key Practical Difference
The content is very similar — often the only changes are swapping EU directive references for UK statutory instrument references, and EN standards for BS EN standards. But the documents are legally distinct. You cannot use a CE Declaration for the GB market (after transition period ends) or a UKCA Declaration for the EU market.
UKCA Declaration of Conformity Template: Section-by-Section Guide
Here is what must appear in your UKCA Declaration of Conformity, with an explanation of each section.
Section 1: Declaration Header
Start with a clear title: “UK Declaration of Conformity”
Include a declaration number (a unique reference for your records, e.g., “UKCA-DoC-2025-001”).
Section 2: Manufacturer Details
Your company name (or registered trade name/trademark).
Full registered address (not a PO box).
Contact information (email, phone number).
If you are a non-UK manufacturer, you must also name your UK Authorised Representative with their full name and UK address.
Section 3: Product Identification
Product name and description.
Product model, type, batch, or serial number.
Any additional identifiers (e.g., SKU, EAN/UPC code).
A photograph or technical drawing of the product can be helpful but is not always required.
Section 4: Applicable UK Legislation
List every UK Statutory Instrument that applies to your product. For example:
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1101) — the UK equivalent of the Low Voltage Directive.
The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1091) — the UK equivalent of the EMC Directive.
The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/3032) — UK RoHS.
Be specific. Reference the exact statutory instrument number.
Section 5: Standards Applied
List the designated UK standards used to demonstrate conformity. For example:
BS EN 60335-1:2012+A2:2019 (Household and similar electrical appliances — Safety)
BS EN 55014-1:2017+A11:2020 (Electromagnetic compatibility — Requirements for household appliances)
BS EN 62233:2008 (Measurement methods for electromagnetic fields of household appliances)
If you have not applied the full standard, state which parts you have applied and how you have addressed the remaining requirements.
Section 6: Approved Body (If Applicable)
If your product required third-party conformity assessment by a UK Approved Body, include:
The name and identification number of the Approved Body.
The certificate number issued.
A description of the conformity assessment procedure performed.
For self-certified products, this section can state: “No Approved Body was involved. Conformity was assessed under [relevant Module, e.g., Module A — Internal Production Control].”
Section 7: Declaration Statement
A clear statement such as: “This declaration of conformity is issued under the sole responsibility of the manufacturer. The product described above is in conformity with the relevant UK legislation listed above.”
Section 8: Signatory
The name and position of the person signing on behalf of the manufacturer.
Their signature (or electronic signature).
The place and date of issue.
UKCA Self-Certification: When Can You Do It Yourself?
Many manufacturers assume they need a third-party Approved Body to issue a UKCA mark. In many cases, that is not true.
Products You Can Self-Certify
- Most electrical and electronic products under the Low Voltage and EMC regulations.
- Many machinery types under the Supply of Machinery regulations.
- Simple pressure vessels.
- Radio equipment (though some categories require Approved Body involvement for specific frequency bands or technologies).
- Products That Require an Approved Body
- Certain categories of personal protective equipment (Category III PPE).
- Some medical devices (Class IIa and above).
- Specific machinery listed in Annex IV of the Machinery Directive.
- Certain radio equipment operating in specific frequency bands.
- Pressure equipment in higher risk categories.
What Self-Certification Involves
- You conduct your own conformity assessment (testing, risk analysis).
- You prepare or commission the necessary test reports.
- You draw up the technical documentation.
- You issue the UKCA Declaration of Conformity.
- You affix the UKCA mark to the product.
- Self-certification does not mean no testing — it means you manage the process yourself rather than having an Approved Body verify it. You are still legally responsible for ensuring your product actually meets the requirements.
- Common Mistakes with UKCA Declarations of Conformity
Here are the errors that most frequently cause problems:
Mistake 1: Using EU Directive References Instead of UK Statutory Instruments
Your UKCA DoC must reference UK legislation, not EU Directives. Using “Directive 2014/35/EU” instead of “The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016” is a fundamental error that invalidates the declaration.
Mistake 2: Referencing EN Standards Without the BS Prefix
UK designated standards carry the BS EN prefix (e.g., BS EN 60335-1). While the technical content is usually identical to the EU EN standard, the correct UK reference must be used.
Mistake 3: Missing the UK Authorised Representative
If you are a non-UK manufacturer, your declaration should name your UK Authorised Representative. This is especially important under the UK’s product safety framework, where a UK-based responsible person is increasingly required.
Mistake 4: No Signature or Date
A declaration without a signature and date is incomplete. It must be signed by someone authorised to act on behalf of the manufacturer, with a clear date of issue.
Mistake 5: Using a CE Declaration for the GB Market
A CE Declaration of Conformity does not satisfy UK requirements (once the transition period for CE acceptance ends). You need a separate UKCA Declaration.
Mistake 6: Outdated Standards
Standards are updated regularly. If your declaration references a withdrawn or superseded standard, it may not be accepted. Check the UK Government’s published list of designated standards for current references.
Mistake 7: Incomplete Product Identification
Vague descriptions like “electronic device” are not sufficient. Your declaration must identify the specific product model, type, and any distinguishing characteristics.
Which Product Categories Require a UKCA Declaration of Conformity?
Product Category | UK Legislation | Self-Certification? | Notes |
Electrical/electronic equipment | Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regs 2016 | Yes (Module A) | Covers most household and commercial electrical products |
Electromagnetic compatibility | EMC Regulations 2016 | Yes (Module A) | Required alongside safety regulations for electronic products |
Toys | Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 | Partial — some require Approved Body | Third-party testing for chemical and certain safety aspects |
Machinery | Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regs 2008 | Mostly yes | Annex IV machinery may need Approved Body |
Personal protective equipment | PPE Regulations 2018 | Category I only | Categories II and III require Approved Body |
Radio equipment | Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 | Mostly yes | Some specific radio types require Approved Body |
Pressure equipment | Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regs 2016 | Lower categories only | Higher categories require Approved Body involvement |
Medical devices | UK MDR 2002 (as amended) | Class I only | Higher classes require UK Approved Body |
Step-by-Step: How to Create Your UKCA Declaration of Conformity
Step 1 — Identify the Applicable UK Regulations: Determine which UK Statutory Instruments apply to your product. The UK Government’s product safety pages list these by product type.
Step 2 — Identify the Applicable Designated Standards: Find the UK designated standards that correspond to each regulation. These are published by the UK Government and are usually the BS EN equivalent of EU harmonised standards.
Step 3 — Conduct Conformity Assessment: Test your product against the applicable standards. For self-certified products, you can commission testing from any competent laboratory. For products requiring an Approved Body, contact a UK-recognised body.
Step 4 — Prepare Technical Documentation: Compile your test reports, risk analysis, product drawings, and any other evidence of conformity. Keep this documentation for 10 years.
Step 5 — Draft the Declaration: Use the template structure above to create your declaration. Include all required sections.
Step 6 — Sign and Date: Have an authorised person sign the declaration and record the date and place of issue.
Step 7 — Affix the UKCA Mark: Apply the UKCA mark to your product, packaging, or accompanying documents in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Step 8 — Appoint a UK Authorised Representative (if non-UK manufacturer): If you are not based in the UK, appoint a UK-based representative. Euverify provides UK Authorised Representative services with an official English address, available within 24 hours.
CE to UKCA Transition: Key Dates You Need to Know
The UK Government has set transition deadlines for moving from CE to UKCA marking:
Until 31 December 2027: CE marking continues to be accepted for most products placed on the Great Britain market, provided the product meets EU requirements that are the same as (or equivalent to) UK requirements.
From 1 January 2028: UKCA marking becomes mandatory for most regulated product categories in Great Britain. CE-only marked products will no longer be accepted.
This means if you currently use CE marking for the GB market, you need to prepare your UKCA declarations and marking before the 2027 deadline. Do not wait until the last minute — start the transition now.
Frequently Asked Questions About UKCA Declarations of Conformity
What is a UKCA Declaration of Conformity?
It is a legal document issued by the manufacturer (or their authorised representative) stating that a product meets all applicable UK product safety regulations. It accompanies the UKCA mark and must be available to enforcement authorities upon request.
Can I use a CE Declaration of Conformity for the UK market?
During the current transition period (until 31 December 2027), CE marking is accepted for most products in Great Britain. After that date, you will need a UKCA Declaration of Conformity and UKCA mark.
Is UKCA self-certification legal?
Yes, for many product categories. Self-certification (Module A — Internal Production Control) is permitted for most electrical, electronic, and machinery products. You are still required to conduct proper testing and maintain technical documentation.
Do I need a UK Approved Body for UKCA marking?
Only for certain higher-risk product categories, such as Category III PPE, certain medical devices, and specific types of radio equipment. For most consumer electronics and general products, self-certification is sufficient.
How long must I keep a UKCA Declaration of Conformity?
You must keep the declaration and supporting technical documentation for at least 10 years after the product is placed on the market. Market surveillance authorities can request these documents at any time during this period.
Does the UKCA Declaration of Conformity need to be in English?
Yes. For the Great Britain market, the declaration must be in English.
Do I need a UKCA DoC for Northern Ireland?
No. Northern Ireland follows EU rules under the Windsor Framework. Products placed on the Northern Ireland market require CE marking and an EU Declaration of Conformity (or UK(NI) marking in certain circumstances).
Can Euverify help with my UKCA Declaration of Conformity?
Yes. Euverify provides free declaration of conformity templates, UK Authorised Representative services, and full CE/UKCA compliance support. You can generate declarations through the platform and have your UK representative details ready for your labels within 24 hours.
Get Your Free UKCA Declaration of Conformity Template
- Euverify makes UK product compliance straightforward:
- Free UKCA and CE Declaration of Conformity templates
- UK Authorised Representative with official English address — ready in 24 hours
- EU Authorised Representative with official Irish address — for dual-market sellers
- Secure documentation storage for the full 10-year regulatory retention period
- Dashboard for managing all declarations and compliance documents in one place
- Plans starting from GBP 200 (UK) or EUR 200 (EU), with a 14-day free trial
Whether you need UKCA marking, CE marking, GPSR compliance, or all of the above — Euverify consolidates everything on one platform.
Visit www.euverify.com to download your free template and get started today.
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