What to Know About CE and UKCA Marks in 2025

By Elena Fraser, Safety & Compliance Editor | Safety & Standards Column | Childcare Standards Council

When choosing products for children, especially toys, nursery equipment, or items designed for play and care, one of the most important things to look for is whether the item meets safety standards. In the United Kingdom, two marks continue to dominate this landscape: the CE mark and the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark.

But what do these marks actually mean in 2025, and which one should parents, childcare providers, and retailers rely on? This guide explains everything you need to know.e.

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A Quick Refresher: What Are CE and UKCA Marks?

CE marking stands for Conformité Européenne and is the European Union’s product safety mark. A CE mark on a product means that it conforms to applicable EU safety, health, and environmental protection standards. You’ll find CE marks on a wide range of products, from electronics to prams, highchairs, and toys.

UKCA marking, introduced after Brexit, is the UK’s own safety certification mark. From 1 January 2021, it became the British equivalent to CE marking, covering goods placed on the market in England, Wales, and Scotland.

Northern Ireland continues to follow different rules, as we’ll explain further below.

What’s Changed in 2025?

1. Ongoing Transition Periods and Extensions

As of July 2025, many products still bear both the CE and UKCA marks. This is because the UK government has provided extended recognition of the CE mark in certain sectors, including toys and childcare products, due to ongoing trade flexibility and to support supply chains post Brexit.

However, UK manufacturers and importers must prepare for eventual full UKCA enforcement, even though CE marking may still be accepted in parallel for some product types.

2. UKCA Mandatory Labelling for New UK Products

For newly manufactured goods intended for the UK market only, especially nursery furniture, baby carriers, ride on toys, and other child safety items, UKCA compliance is now strongly recommended.

This includes:

• Proper product testing by a UK recognised conformity assessment body

• Clearly visible UKCA marks on packaging and documentation

• Technical files stored by the UK based responsible person

Retailers and nursery owners are advised to verify that new stock has up to date UKCA documentation and markings.

What Do the Marks Actually Guarantee?

Whether CE or UKCA, these marks mean the manufacturer confirms that:

• The product has been tested and complies with relevant safety standards

• It is free from hazardous materials (e.g. lead, phthalates, sharp edges)

• The design meets structural safety, flammability, and choking hazard prevention

• Risk assessments have been carried out during manufacturing

• A technical file and declaration of conformity exist and can be inspected

Understanding Dual Marking: CE and UKCA Together

In 2025, many manufacturers still use dual marking, placing both CE and UKCA marks on their products. This practice is currently permitted and even encouraged where goods are sold both in the UK and the EU.

It’s perfectly safe and legal to purchase goods with both marks. In fact, for many childcare products such as cot mattresses, bouncers, and booster seats, dual marking helps reduce confusion and ensures the product complies across borders.

What About Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland operates under the Northern Ireland Protocol, meaning it continues to recognise CE marked products.

However:

• UKNI marking may appear alongside the CE mark if the conformity assessment body used is UK based.

• Products solely marked with UKCA are not accepted in Northern Ireland.

This can be particularly relevant for distributors or childcare providers operating across the UK and Northern Ireland.

Are There Penalties for Non Compliance?

Yes. Products that do not have the required conformity marking may be:

• Refused entry at ports or borders

• Removed from shelves during inspections

• Subject to fines or recall orders by Trading Standards

Parents and professionals are encouraged to report unmarked or suspicious items to local authorities, especially if they’re intended for child use.

What to Look for When Buying Childcare Products

To ensure a product is safe and properly marked in 2025, follow this checklist:

• Look for either the CE or UKCA mark clearly printed on the product or its packaging

• Check the manufacturer’s name and address is included

• Confirm there is a Declaration of Conformity if purchasing online or in bulk

• Avoid vague or counterfeit mark, genuine CE/UKCA logos have specific shapes and proportions

• Be cautious with imports from outside the UK/EU, which may not follow these regulations

Final Thoughts

While the regulatory landscape continues to evolve post Brexit, one thing remains clear: conformity marks like CE and UKCA are vital tools for keeping children safe. In 2025, understanding how these marks work, where they apply, and what they guarantee can help parents, carers, and providers make more informed, confident decisions.

By staying vigilant and informed, we can all contribute to safer environments for children to grow, play, and thrive.