[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/UK Conformity Assessment Routes Conformity AssessmentUKCA # UK Conformity Assessment Routes: Self-Declaration vs Approved Body for UKCA Marking Choosing the right conformity assessment module for UKCA marking is a legal question, not a preference. For most consumer electronics and general-purpose machinery, self-declaration using Module A is available and sufficient. For higher-risk products, an Approved Body is mandatory. Getting the choice wrong invalidates the Declaration of Conformity and creates market access and liability risk. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fuk-conformity-assessment-routes) ## UKCA conformity assessment modules ### Module A — Internal Production Control Self-assessment route. Manufacturer designs and manufactures the product in accordance with designated standards, compiles technical documentation, and issues UK Declaration of Conformity. No Approved Body involvement. **Typical applicability:** Most radio equipment (using designated standards), EMC, LVD, machinery (non-Annex IV), toys, PPE (lower risk categories) ### Module B — UK Type Examination UK Approved Body examines the design (type) and verifies it meets essential requirements. Issues a Type Examination Certificate. Must be combined with a production module (Module C, D, E, or F). **Typical applicability:** Higher-risk products; Annex IV machinery; lifts; certain PPE ### Module C — Conformity to Type Manufacturer ensures production matches the approved type. Combined with Module B. No further Approved Body involvement in production. **Typical applicability:** Used with Module B where production quality assurance by AB is not required ### Module D — Production Quality Assurance Approved Body audits the manufacturer's production quality management system against EN ISO 9001 or equivalent. Approved Body issues a certificate and conducts surveillance audits. **Typical applicability:** Used with Module B for higher-risk products requiring ongoing production quality assurance ### Module G — Unit Verification Approved Body examines each individual unit produced and confirms it meets requirements. Used for small-batch or bespoke products where type testing is impractical. **Typical applicability:** Bespoke industrial equipment, one-off lift installations, custom pressure vessels ### Module H — Full Quality Assurance Approved Body audits the manufacturer's entire quality management system covering design and production. Most comprehensive route — replaces separate type examination. **Typical applicability:** Lifts; certain pressure equipment; used where design quality assurance is critical ## When can you self-declare vs when is Approved Body mandatory? ### Self-assessment (Module A) is typically available when: * •The product falls under regulations where Module A is listed as a conformity assessment option * •UK-designated standards exist and comprehensively cover the product's risks * •The product is not in an Annex IV or equivalent high-risk list requiring mandatory AB involvement * •You have the internal competence to assess conformity against the designated standards ### Approved Body involvement is mandatory when: * •The applicable regulation lists specific product categories requiring AB involvement * •No applicable UK-designated standard exists for part of the product's risks * •The product type examination route is required by the regulation * •The product is listed in a 'restricted list' (analogous to EU Annex IV) in the UK regulation ## Learn this properly, not just for one product In-depth courses and books that teach the process — not a one-off answer you'll need to look up again next time. [Start the course — $149](/courses/09-ukca-marking-for-electronics-products)See your free roadmap [Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/09-ukca-marking-for-electronics-products) ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I use Module A (self-declaration) for CE and a different module for UKCA on the same product? Yes. The conformity assessment module choice for UKCA is independent of the choice made for CE marking. For products where both markets allow self-declaration under Module A, using Module A for both is simplest. For products where you used an EU Notified Body under Module B+D for CE, you may also use Module A for UKCA if the UK regulation permits self-assessment for that product category — saving the cost of a UK Approved Body. Always verify the UK regulation's conformity assessment options independently of the EU regulation. ### What happens if I self-certify a product that actually required an Approved Body? A product placed on the GB market with a UKCA marking based on self-certification, when an Approved Body was legally required, has an incorrectly affixed UKCA marking. This makes the Declaration of Conformity invalid and the product non-compliant. OPSS market surveillance can require the product to be withdrawn from sale, require corrective action, and can impose penalties. In the most serious cases where safety is compromised, criminal prosecution is possible. The manufacturer or UK Responsible Person bears the liability. 🇬🇧 UK roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through 🇬🇧 UK compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. See compliance services](/services) Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course — $149](/courses/09-ukca-marking-for-electronics-products)[Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/09-ukca-marking-for-electronics-products) Related guides * [UKCA Marking: Complete GuideComplete guide to UKCA marking for the Great Britain market: requirements, timeline, costs, GB vs NI differences, and how to tr…](/guides/ukca-marking) * [UK Approved Body vs EU Notified BodyComplete guide to UK Approved Bodies vs EU Notified Bodies: what changed after Brexit, which products require third-party asses…](/guides/uk-approved-body-vs-notified-body) * [UK Designated StandardsComplete guide to UK designated standards for UKCA marking: how designated standards differ from harmonised standards, where to…](/guides/uk-designated-standards) * [CE to UKCA Transition GuideStep-by-step guide to transitioning from CE marking to UKCA marking for the Great Britain market: what changes, what stays the …](/guides/ce-to-ukca-transition) * [UK OPSS Market SurveillanceComplete guide to OPSS (Office for Product Safety and Standards) market surveillance in Great Britain: enforcement powers, comp…](/guides/uk-opss-market-surveillance) Educational resource only. Conformity assessment module requirements are set by each specific UK regulation. Always verify the applicable modules for your product category before selecting a route.