[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/UKCA Wearables WearablesUK RegulationsSAR Testing # UKCA Marking for Wearables and Smart Accessories: Complete GB Compliance Guide Smartwatches, fitness trackers, smart rings, AR glasses, and hearables entering the Great Britain market face a multi-regulation compliance stack: Radio Equipment Regulations for wireless functions, SAR testing for body-worn transmitters, PSTI Act cybersecurity requirements for connected devices, and battery producer obligations. This guide maps every obligation so nothing slips through. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fukca-wearables) ## Applicable UK regulations for wearables ### Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 UKCA Virtually all wearables include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or ANT+ — all require RER compliance ### EMC Regulations 2016 UKCA All electronic wearables must demonstrate electromagnetic compatibility ### Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 UKCA Devices with mains-connected chargers, or USB-C charging above 5V/2A thresholds, may need LVD coverage ### UK Battery and Accumulator Regulations 2009 Producer registration (not a mark) All wearables with built-in or replaceable batteries trigger producer registration obligations ### PSTI Act 2022 Statement of Compliance Smartwatches and fitness trackers with internet/Bluetooth connectivity sold to consumers require a Statement of Compliance ### UK RoHS Regulations 2012 No separate mark — built into UKCA declaration Restriction of hazardous substances in electrical/electronic equipment — applies to the wearable device and charging accessories ## SAR testing for body-worn devices What SAR measures: Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) measures the rate at which radio frequency energy is absorbed by the body. Expressed in watts per kilogram (W/kg). UK SAR limits for body-worn devices: 2.0 W/kg averaged over 10g of tissue (head and trunk); 4.0 W/kg averaged over 10g (limbs). These are the same limits used in the EU. SAR testing standard: EN 50566 (BS EN 50566) for body-worn devices including wearables; EN 62209-1/2 for mobile phones. Testing must be conducted at the minimum separations distance specified in your product documentation. When SAR testing is required: Any wearable transmitting above certain power thresholds and worn in direct contact with the body. Most Bluetooth wearables require SAR testing — check the specific standard's thresholds. SAR in technical documentation: SAR test reports, the separation distance assumption, and the SAR values achieved must be documented in the technical file and stated in user instructions. ## Common compliance pitfalls and fixes ✗ Assuming low transmit power = no SAR testing needed ✓ SAR testing obligation is determined by the specific standard's thresholds, not just by whether the device is 'low power'. Many Bluetooth wearables require SAR even at low power. ✗ Missing PSTI Statement of Compliance for smartwatches ✓ PSTI Statement of Compliance must be issued before placing on the GB market. It must be accessible to consumers and OPSS enforcement officers. ✗ Treating wearable charger as exempt from LVD ✓ USB-C chargers operating above the LVD voltage threshold trigger separate safety standards. Test the charger to EN 62368-1 or EN 60065 as applicable. ✗ Single UKCA Declaration missing all applicable regulations ✓ One Declaration of Conformity can cover multiple regulations but must explicitly list each regulation, the essential requirements met, and the designated standards applied for each. ✗ Not registering as a battery producer ✓ Wearable manufacturers and importers must register with a UK-approved compliance scheme for battery producer obligations, even if the battery is non-removable. ## 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 ### Do smartwatches that pair only via Bluetooth (no Wi-Fi, no cellular) need PSTI compliance? Yes. Bluetooth is an in-scope connectivity technology under PSTI. Any consumer smartwatch or fitness tracker with Bluetooth connectivity requires a Statement of Compliance covering the three minimum security requirements: no universal default passwords, a published vulnerability disclosure policy, and a defined minimum software update support period. The device does not need to be directly internet-connected — Bluetooth connectivity is sufficient to trigger PSTI. ### Can I use the same RF test reports for UK and EU wearable compliance? In most cases, yes. GB-designated standards for wearable radio equipment (EN 300 328 for Bluetooth, EN 301 489-17 for EMC, EN 50566 for SAR) are technically identical to the EU harmonised standards. A single set of test reports performed against these standards at an accredited laboratory supports both CE marking for the EU and UKCA marking for GB. Always verify the current GB-designated standards list, as standards are periodically updated. ### What labeling is required on a wearable product sold in Great Britain? The product or its packaging must carry: the UKCA marking (or CE marking while accepted); the UK Responsible Person's name and address (required for non-UK manufacturers); a unique identification number if applicable; the manufacturer's name, trademark, and contact address; the country of origin; model/type/batch/serial number; and any specific information required by the applicable regulations (e.g., maximum SAR value for radio devices). 🇬🇧 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 for IoT DevicesComplete guide to UKCA marking for IoT and connected devices in Great Britain: Radio Equipment Regulations, EMC requirements, P…](/guides/ukca-iot-devices) * [UK Radio Equipment RegulationsComplete guide to UK Radio Equipment Regulations for GB market: UKCA marking, designated standards, testing requirements, and t…](/guides/uk-radio-equipment) * [UK PSTI Act Cybersecurity RequirementsComplete guide to UK PSTI Act 2022 cybersecurity requirements: which connected products are in scope, the three mandatory minim…](/guides/uk-psti-cyber-requirements) * [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) * [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) Educational resource only. Compliance responsibility remains with the manufacturer, importer, or UK Responsible Person. Verify current UK regulations before placing products on the GB market.