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UK Radio Regulations — UKCA Marking Guide
Following Brexit, the UK established its own regulatory framework for radio equipment: the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 (UK RER), enforced under the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking scheme. This guide explains what changed, what stayed the same, and what manufacturers need to do to access the Great Britain market.
Background: From CE to UKCA
Until December 31, 2020, the EU's Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (RED) applied to Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) as it did to EU member states. From January 1, 2021, the UK's own Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 (SI 2017/1206, as amended) came into force for the GB market, enforced by Ofcom (spectrum/radio performance) and UKAS (market surveillance).
Northern Ireland remains subject to EU RED requirements under the Windsor Framework, creating a split market: CE marking for Northern Ireland (and EU), UKCA marking for Great Britain.
EU — CE Marking under RED
- Directive 2014/53/EU (RED)
- CE mark required for EU + Northern Ireland
- EU Declaration of Conformity (EU DoC)
- Notified Body (if required)
- EU Authorised Representative for non-EU manufacturers
- EU harmonised standards (ETSI)
GB — UKCA Marking under UK RER
- Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 (UK)
- UKCA mark required for Great Britain
- UK Declaration of Conformity (UK DoC)
- UK Approved Body (if required)
- UK Responsible Person for non-UK manufacturers
- UK Designated Standards (largely same as ETSI)
Compatible Electronics tests to ETSI standards accepted under both EU RED and UK RER — a single test campaign typically supports both CE and UKCA marking.
UK Radio Testing Service →
Essential Requirements — UK RER vs EU RED
The UK RER mirrors the essential requirements of the EU RED almost exactly. The three core requirements remain:
Regulation 6(1) — Health and Safety
Equivalent to RED Article 3.1(a). Covers electrical safety and RF exposure (SAR/MPE) — same requirements and test methods as EU.
Regulation 6(2) — Electromagnetic Compatibility
Equivalent to RED Article 3.1(b). EMC for radio equipment — EN 301 489 series and product family standards remain applicable as UK Designated Standards.
Regulation 6(3) — Efficient Use of Radio Spectrum
Equivalent to RED Article 3.2. Radio performance standards — ETSI EN 300 series standards remain applicable as UK Designated Standards.
What Is Different?
- UKCA mark (not CE mark) required on product for GB market
- UK Declaration of Conformity — separate from EU DoC, references UK legislation
- UK Responsible Person required for manufacturers not established in the UK (analogous to EU Authorised Representative)
- UK Approved Bodies (not EU Notified Bodies) for conformity assessment where third-party assessment is required
- UK Designated Standards replace EU Harmonised Standards — currently largely identical, but may diverge over time
- Product registration with Ofcom may be required for certain frequency bands
UKCA Marking Requirements
1
Confirm UK RER Scope
Determine if the product is radio equipment (intentional transmitter) under the UK RER. Check frequency band and intended GB market use.
2
Apply UK Designated Standards
Use the current UK Designated Standards list (maintained by DSIT — Department for Science, Innovation and Technology). Most are identical to the ETSI standards used for EU RED — one test program covers both.
3
Compile UK Technical Documentation
Technical file equivalent to EU requirements — product description, design documents, test reports, standards list, and UK DoC.
4
Appoint UK Responsible Person
If your company is not established in the UK, appoint a UK Responsible Person (importer or authorised representative with UK establishment). Their name and address appear on the product or packaging.
5
Issue UK Declaration of Conformity and Affix UKCA Mark
Sign and issue the UK DoC referencing the UK Radio Equipment Regulations 2017. Affix the UKCA mark to the product. The CE mark may also appear on the product if it is sold in the EU, but CE marking alone is not sufficient for the GB market.
ⓘ Dual marking: A product may carry both CE and UKCA marks — CE for the EU market, UKCA for GB. Testing to ETSI standards at a UKAS/ILAC-MRA accredited lab like Compatible Electronics supports both marks from a single test campaign.
