Testing Lab of Power Supply/ IT / AV Products

Since Brexit, power adapters sold in the UK market must comply with UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking requirements instead of CE marking. This guide explains the UKCA certification pathway for power adapters, applicable standards, and key differences from the previous CE regime.

UKCA Marking Background and Transition Timeline

UKCA marking was introduced on January 1, 2021, as the UK's replacement for CE marking following Brexit. For power adapters, the transition has the following key milestones:

• January 1, 2021 — December 31, 2022:Transition period; both CE and UKCA marking accepted in the UK market

• January 1, 2023 onward:UKCA marking required for products placed on the UK market (with some extensions for specific product categories)

• Current status:UKCA marking is mandatory for power adapters sold in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). Northern Ireland follows separate rules under the Northern Ireland Protocol

Important: The CE mark alone is no longer sufficient for the UK market (excluding Northern Ireland). Products with only CE marking cannot be sold in Great Britain.

Applicable UK Standards for Power Adapters

The UK has adopted designated standards that are technically equivalent to EU harmonized standards, but published as BS (British Standards) or PAS documents:

Electrical Safety

• BS EN 62368-1 — Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment — Safety requirements

• BS EN 60950-1 — Still accepted for legacy products (transitional period)

Electromagnetic Compatibility

• BS EN 55032 — Electromagnetic compatibility of multimedia equipment — Emission requirements

• BS EN 55035 — Electromagnetic compatibility of multimedia equipment — Immunity requirements

• BS EN 61000-3-2 / BS EN 61000-3-3 — Harmonics and flicker

The technical content of BS EN standards is identical to the corresponding EN standards, meaning testing performed to EN standards is also acceptable for UKCA compliance, provided the specific UK national deviations are addressed.

Key Differences Between UKCA and CE for Power Adapters

While the technical requirements are largely aligned, there are important procedural and administrative differences:

• UK-based Authorized Representative:For non-UK manufacturers, a UK-based Authorized Representative (UKAR) must be appointed and their address included on the product or documentation

• UK Declaration of Conformity:A separate UK DoC is required (not the EU DoC), referencing UK legislation rather than EU directives

• Approved Body (not Notified Body):If third-party conformity assessment is required, a UK Approved Body must be used instead of an EU Notified Body

• UKCA mark placement:The UKCA mark must be affixed directly on the product in most cases (with some limited exceptions allowing labeling on accompanying documentation)

UKCA Compliance Process for Power Adapters

The UKCA compliance process for power adapters follows these steps:

1. ①Identify applicable UK legislation:Determine which UK statutory instruments apply (e.g., Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, EMC Regulations 2016)

1. ②Conduct conformity assessment:Test the product against designated standards (BS EN 62368-1, BS EN 55032, etc.)

1. ③Prepare technical documentation:Compile test reports, design files, risk assessments, and manufacturing records

1. ④Issue UK Declaration of Conformity:Sign a UK DoC referencing UK legislation and applicable standards

1. ⑤Affix UKCA mark:Apply the UKCA mark on the product, along with the UK Authorized Representative's address if applicable

Northern Ireland Special Considerations

Power adapters sold in Northern Ireland follow different rules under the Northern Ireland Protocol:

• CE marking remains valid in Northern Ireland (continues to follow EU rules)

• UKNI marking may be required if a UK Approved Body is used for conformity assessment

• Products can carry both CE and UKCA marks to cover both Great Britain and Northern Ireland markets

For companies targeting the entire UK market, the practical approach is to obtain both CE and UKCA compliance and apply both marks on the product.

This article is AI-assisted and for reference only. It does not constitute any certification commitment or legal advice. Please refer to the latest official regulations.

Contact: 18826804895 | net01@gtggroup.com