UKCA marking and certification for lifts

Lift regulations in the UK have undergone changes since 1 January 2021. Manufacturers and organisations importing lifts into the UK must now display the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking on their products, replacing the previous EU CE marking. This requirement applies to all lift systems and components in Great Britain, including England, Scotland, and Wales, with a transition period ending on 1 January 2025. 

TÜV SÜD, as an approved body, provides professional guidance through the UKCA certification process, ensuring that manufacturers and importers meet these new regulatory standards for lift certification in Great Britain.

The UKCA marking is mandatory for all lifts and lift components sold in Great Britain as of 1 January 2023. However, it's important to note that UKCA is not recognised in the EU, the European Economic area (EEA), or Northern Ireland, where different rules apply.

The approach to UKCA marking is outlined in The Lifts Regulations 2016, and the responsibility for placing lifts or components on the market lies with parties domiciled in Great Britain. This includes updating all identification details, declarations of conformity, and technical documentation in English to comply with the requirements for lift certification in Great Britain.

Importing lifts into the UK also involves specific responsibilities for importers, who must ensure that all components comply with British regulations regarding safety, conformity, packaging, and labelling. Importers, typically with a registered office in Great Britain, must retain copies of the declaration of conformity for ten years and ensure that the design, manufacturing, installation, and placement of lifts are managed by a party domiciled in Great Britain. For further information on UKCA marking and lift regulations in the UK, consult the UK government’s official platform.

Manufacturers must implement the new UKCA marking requirements before the transition period ends. However, the UKCA marking process can be complicated. 

Lifts and parts manufacturers must update and maintain the necessary technical documentation and conformity declarations in English, as per UK regulations. They may also need to manage different marking requirements for Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Non-compliance with lift regulations in the UK can prevent lift importers and manufacturers from entering or continuing their operations in the British market. Without the UKCA marking, manufacturers importing lifts to the UK may lose market access in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Unlock access to Great Britain’s lift market with TÜV SÜD’s expert guidance on the UKCA marking process. Our in-depth knowledge of UK and EU lift regulations allows us to navigate complex compliance landscapes and streamline the UKCA certification process from initial consultation to final lift certification in Great Britain. 

With a local presence in Great Britain, we provide tailored support and testing services to meet your specific needs, whether you’re manufacturing or importing lifts to the UK. 

Our comprehensive support ensures long-term compliance, helping you maintain the necessary documentation for the required duration. We offer custom solutions designed to ease your UKCA certification process, making certain that your lift systems and components meet all regulatory requirements for the UK market.