[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/UK Testing and Approved Bodies TestingCertification # UK Testing and Approved Bodies Guide UKCA marking may require testing at accredited laboratories and, for certain high-risk products, conformity assessment by UK Approved Bodies. Understanding the conformity assessment routes and selecting appropriate testing partners is essential for compliant market entry. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fuk-testing-approved-bodies) ## Conformity assessment modules Module AInternal production control Self-certification by manufacturer. Suitable for most products where designated standards are applied. Module BEU type-examination Approved Body examines technical design and issues type-examination certificate. Required for certain high-risk products. Module C2Conformity to type based on internal production control plus supervised product checks Type-examination (Module B) plus random product checks at Approved Body discretion. Module DConformity to type based on quality assurance of the production process Type-examination (Module B) plus Approved Body audits quality system. Common for Category III PPE. Module HFull quality assurance Approved Body approves and audits full quality system. Used for high-risk products and systems. ## Selecting a test laboratory ### UKAS accreditation For UKCA marking, UKAS-accredited labs provide confidence in testing quality. Check the UKAS website for accredited laboratories. ### Scope of accreditation Ensure the lab is accredited for the specific standards you need tested, not just general accreditation. ### Approved Body status For mandatory third-party assessment, ensure the body is designated as a UK Approved Body for your product category. ### Turnaround time Lab scheduling can significantly impact time-to-market. Ask about current lead times and expedite options. ### Location and logistics Consider sample shipping requirements and whether witness testing is needed. Some products require on-site testing. ## Testing costs and timelines Testing costs vary significantly based on product complexity, number of standards, and required tests. Typical ranges include: EMC testing (emissions + immunity) £1,500–£5,000 Radio testing per band £2,000–£8,000 Safety testing (LVD) £1,500–£4,000 RoHS chemical analysis £500–£2,000 Note: Costs vary by lab, product complexity, and location. Always obtain detailed quotes before proceeding. Lead times typically range from 2–6 weeks depending on lab capacity. ## Preparing for testing Proper preparation reduces testing costs and timeline risks: * **Pre-compliance testing:** Consider preliminary testing to identify issues before formal testing. Some labs offer pre-scan services at reduced cost. * **Test sample preparation:** Ensure test samples represent production units. Include all accessories, cables, and documentation that would ship with product. * **Documentation:** Provide clear product descriptions, block diagrams, circuit descriptions, and intended use information to the lab. * **Mode configuration:** Define all operating modes that need testing and how to achieve them. This affects test time and cost. * **Failure planning:** Ask about retest policies and costs in case of initial test failures. ## 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 ### What is the difference between a test lab and an Approved Body? A test lab performs testing to standards and issues test reports. An Approved Body (formerly UK Notified Body) is designated by the UK government to carry out mandatory third-party conformity assessment for certain high-risk products. Approved Bodies can issue type-examination certificates and conduct quality system audits. ### Can I use EU test reports for UKCA marking? Yes, test reports from EU laboratories are generally accepted for UKCA marking if they are from accredited laboratories and test to standards that are UK-designated. However, for mandatory third-party assessment, you may need a UK Approved Body rather than an EU Notified Body depending on the product and regulation. ### How do I find a UK Approved Body? The UK government maintains a database of UK Approved Bodies on GOV.UK. You can search by product category to find bodies designated for your specific product type. Always verify current designation status before engaging. 🇬🇧 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 OverviewComplete guide to UKCA marking for the Great Britain market: requirements, timeline, costs, GB vs NI differences, and how to tr…](/guides/ukca-marking) * [UKCA Marking TimelineRealistic timeline for UKCA marking: from design freeze to market entry.](/guides/ukca-marking-timeline) * [UKCA Marking Cost BreakdownComplete cost breakdown for UKCA marking: laboratory testing, documentation preparation, and hidden costs to budget for UK mark…](/guides/ukca-marking-cost) * [UKCA Consumer ElectronicsComplete guide to UKCA marking for consumer electronics: applicable regulations, testing requirements, cost breakdown, and real…](/guides/ukca-consumer-electronics) Educational resource only. Testing costs vary significantly. Obtain detailed quotes from multiple labs for comparison.