What Is UKCA Marking?
The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is a UK product conformity marking that is required for certain products, including medical devices and in vitro diagnostic devices, placed on the UK market.
The UKCA marking signifies that the product conforms to relevant UK regulations and standards. This is similar to the CE marking for the EU Market.
The service of obtaining the UKCA marking includes product testing, assessment, and certification by a UK Approved Body (UKAB) or UKRP (UK Approved Body for Product Certification) for non-UK manufacturers, designated by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency).
Why Is UKCA Marking Important?
The UKCA marking is essential to reflect the conformity of products and devices placed on the UK market with the UK regulations and applicable British conformity assessment procedures. This ensures seamless access and business in the UK market.
Process Flow for UKCA Marking
Understand UKCA Marking Requirements: Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements for UKCA marking applicable to your products, as each set of product category has different regulations.
Assess Product Compliance: Evaluate your products’ compliance with applicable UK regulations and standards.
Update Documentation: Review and update your product documentation to reflect the UKCA marking requirements. This may include technical files, product specifications, clinical test evaluations, design records, and conformity assessment documentation.
Engage with a UK Approved Body: Depending on your product category and regulatory requirements, engage with a UK approved body for conformity assessment. This may involve testing, inspection, or certification processes to ensure compliance with UK regulations.
Apply UKCA Marking: Once your products have successfully met the UKCA marking requirements and obtained the required certifications, affix the UKCA mark on your products, packaging, or accompanying documentation.
Update Marketing Materials: Revise your marketing materials, including product labels, packaging, and promotional content, to include the UKCA mark and comply with the UK regulations.
Maintain Compliance: Continuously monitor and update your products to maintain compliance with the UKCA marking requirements. Adapt your processes and documentation accordingly to ensure ongoing compliance.
Keep Records and Documentation: Maintain organised records and documentation related to the UKCA marking process. Ensure that these records are readily available for inspection by regulatory authorities, if required.
Stay Updated on Brexit Impact: Stay informed about the impact of Brexit on regulations and market access.
How Can We Help in UKCA Marking?
The CliniExperts professionals will -
Ensure that your products meet the necessary technical requirements, safety standards, and performance criteria specified for the UK market.
Monitor any changes in the UK regulatory landscape, align the strategies, and compliance efforts accordingly.
Ensure that the documentation accurately demonstrates compliance with UK regulations.
Obtain the necessary certification or documentation from the approved body.
Regulatory Requirements for UKCA Marking
Timeline
Device testing, pre-clinical studies, clinical evaluation, design documentation, and labeling will take no more than 5-6 months, whereas notified body review will take 6-10 months.
Regulatory Body
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating the UK medical devices market. However, the UK Approved Bodies are tasked with conformity assessments.
Fees
The fees depends on many factors – for example, the regulations that apply to your products, the number of products you make, and the number of manufacturing locations you operate.
Validity
There is no time limit to UKCA marking – it is a declaration made at a point in time. Certain certificates required for UKCA (similar to CE marking) may have validity. For example, GAR type examination certificates are valid for a maximum of 10 years.