CE and UKCA Marking Explained

When buying a generator or other item of powered equipment, you may notice a CE mark, a UKCA mark or both displayed on the product, data plate, packaging or accompanying documentation.

These markings relate to product conformity. They indicate that the manufacturer has followed the applicable assessment process and declares that the product meets the legal requirements relevant to the market in which it is being supplied.

However, a conformity mark is not simply a general quality badge. It does not automatically mean that one generator is more powerful, reliable or durable than another. It relates to compliance with specific product legislation covering matters such as safety, electromagnetic compatibility, emissions and environmental requirements.

This guide explains what CE and UKCA markings mean, where they apply and what generator buyers, manufacturers, importers and distributors should check.

What Does CE Marking Mean?

CE stands for Conformité Européenne, meaning European conformity.

Where CE marking is required, it indicates that the manufacturer declares that the product meets the applicable requirements of European Union product legislation.

CE marking is used for many categories of manufactured products, including machinery and electrical equipment. Depending on the product, more than one piece of legislation may apply.

A generator may need to comply with requirements relating to:

• Machinery safety
• Electrical safety
• Electromagnetic compatibility
• Noise emissions
• Engine exhaust emissions
• Restriction of hazardous substances
• Radio equipment, where wireless controls are fitted

The precise requirements depend on the design, voltage, engine, controls and intended use of the generator.

What Does UKCA Marking Mean?

UKCA stands for UK Conformity Assessed.

The UKCA system applies to relevant regulated products placed on the market in Great Britain, which consists of England, Scotland and Wales.

Where UKCA marking is used, the manufacturer declares that the product complies with the applicable Great Britain product requirements.

The UKCA marking does not replace CE marking for products being placed on the European Union market. A product intended for both markets may carry both markings where it meets the requirements of each system.

Is CE Marking Still Accepted in Great Britain?

CE marking continues to be recognised in Great Britain for many product sectors.

This means that many products meeting recognised European Union requirements may still be placed on the Great Britain market using CE marking.

However, the position is product-specific. Businesses must check the rules applying to the particular type of product rather than assuming that every CE-marked product is automatically acceptable.

Certain sectors have their own arrangements, transition periods or specialist requirements. Current government guidance should therefore be checked before manufacturing, importing or placing regulated equipment on the market.

Where Does UKCA Marking Apply?

UKCA marking applies to relevant products placed on the market in:

• England
• Scotland
• Wales

These three countries are referred to collectively as Great Britain.

UKCA marking does not apply in Northern Ireland, the European Union, the Crown Dependencies or British Overseas Territories.

What Marking Is Used in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland follows different product-marking arrangements from Great Britain.

Products placed on the Northern Ireland market generally require CE marking where the relevant European rules apply.

Where a UK-approved conformity assessment body is used for a product requiring third-party assessment, the UKNI marking may also be required alongside the CE mark.

UKNI is not normally used by itself. A product carrying CE and UKNI markings cannot automatically be placed on the European Union market on that basis.

Businesses supplying Northern Ireland should check the specific rules that apply to their product and conformity-assessment route.

Can a Product Carry Both CE and UKCA Marks?

Yes. A product may carry both CE and UKCA markings where it complies with the relevant requirements for both markets.

Dual marking can be useful for manufacturers and suppliers distributing the same product in Great Britain and the European Union.

Applying both marks does not remove the need to satisfy both regulatory systems. The manufacturer must ensure that:

• The product meets all relevant requirements for each market
• The correct conformity-assessment procedure has been followed
• The required technical documentation is available
• The correct declaration or declarations have been prepared
• The product bears the required manufacturer and importer details

Does a CE or UKCA Mark Prove That a Generator Is High Quality?

Not necessarily.

CE and UKCA markings concern conformity with applicable legal requirements. They are not independent awards for product quality, performance or reliability.

Two generators may both carry a valid conformity marking while differing significantly in:

• Engine quality
• Alternator design
• Fuel efficiency
• Noise level
• Voltage stability
• Warranty support
• Parts availability
• Expected working life

Buyers should treat conformity marking as one important compliance check rather than a complete measure of product quality.

Who Is Responsible for Applying the Marking?

The manufacturer is normally responsible for ensuring that the product complies with the applicable legislation and for applying the appropriate conformity marking.

The manufacturer’s responsibilities may include:

• Identifying all applicable product regulations
• Assessing product risks
• Designing and manufacturing the product safely
• Testing or arranging assessment where required
• Preparing technical documentation
• Issuing a Declaration of Conformity
• Applying the correct product marking
• Providing instructions and safety information
• Maintaining production controls

Importers and distributors also have legal responsibilities. They should not supply equipment where they know, or have reason to believe, that it is non-compliant.

What Is a Declaration of Conformity?

A Declaration of Conformity is a formal document in which the manufacturer identifies the product and declares that it complies with the applicable legislation.

Depending on the market, the document may be described as an EU Declaration of Conformity or a UK Declaration of Conformity.

A declaration will commonly include:

• The manufacturer’s name and address
• A clear description of the product
• The model or serial identification
• The relevant legislation
• The standards or technical specifications used
• Details of any conformity assessment body involved
• The name and signature of an authorised person
• The date and place of issue

The declaration should correspond precisely with the generator model being supplied.

What Is Technical Documentation?

Technical documentation is the collection of information used to demonstrate that a product meets the applicable legal requirements.

The exact contents depend on the product and legislation but may include:

• Product drawings and specifications
• Electrical diagrams
• Risk assessments
• Design calculations
• Component information
• Test reports
• Noise measurements
• Engine-emissions information
• Applied standards
• User instructions
• Quality-control procedures
• A copy of the Declaration of Conformity

Merely printing a CE or UKCA logo on a generator does not demonstrate compliance if the required technical evidence does not exist.

What Is Conformity Assessment?

Conformity assessment is the process used to demonstrate that a product meets the applicable requirements.

For some products, the manufacturer may be permitted to carry out its own assessment and issue a declaration without using an external conformity assessment body.

Other products or regulatory requirements may require testing, certification or quality-system assessment by an approved third party.

Under the European system, qualifying third-party organisations are generally known as notified bodies.

Under the Great Britain system, the equivalent organisations are generally known as UK approved bodies.

The correct route depends on the product category and legislation.

What Are Designated and Harmonised Standards?

Standards provide recognised technical methods for designing, manufacturing and testing products.

Under the European system, standards referenced for regulatory purposes are commonly known as harmonised standards.

Under the Great Britain system, the equivalent references are known as designated standards.

Using an applicable standard can help a manufacturer demonstrate conformity with relevant essential requirements. However, the manufacturer remains responsible for ensuring that the complete product complies.

Standards may change over time, and the European and Great Britain lists may not always remain identical. Manufacturers should check that the correct current version and regulatory status have been used.

Which Rules May Apply to a Generator?

A generator is a combined mechanical and electrical product, so several regulatory requirements may apply at the same time.

Machinery Safety

Generator sets include moving parts, hot surfaces, fuel systems and mechanical hazards. The manufacturer must assess foreseeable risks and provide suitable safeguards, warnings and instructions.

Electrical Safety

Electrical components, sockets, insulation, protective devices and wiring must be suitable for the generator’s voltage and intended use.

Electromagnetic Compatibility

A generator should not create unacceptable electromagnetic interference and should have suitable immunity to electromagnetic disturbances.

Outdoor Noise Emissions

Certain generators intended for outdoor use may be subject to specific noise-measurement and labelling requirements.

Buyers comparing silent generators should still check the stated dB(A) rating, measuring distance and test load rather than relying on the word silent alone.

Engine Exhaust Emissions

Petrol and diesel engines used in non-road mobile machinery may be subject to emissions requirements.

This can affect both petrol generators and diesel generators.

Hazardous Substances

Electrical and electronic components may need to meet restrictions covering certain hazardous substances.

Where Should the Marking Appear?

The CE or UKCA marking will normally appear on the generator, its data plate or another permitted location.

The marking should generally be:

• Visible
• Legible
• Indelible
• Displayed in the correct proportions
• At least the required minimum size

Depending on the applicable legislation and product, marking may sometimes be permitted on packaging, an attached label or accompanying documentation.

A badly shaped, distorted or unusually small logo may indicate that the marking has not been applied correctly, although the complete product documentation should also be checked.

What Information Should Be on a Generator Data Plate?

Generator data plates vary, but they commonly include:

• Manufacturer name
• Manufacturer address
• Model number
• Serial number
• Year of manufacture
• Rated voltage
• Frequency
• Rated current
• Rated power
• Power factor
• Phase arrangement
• Weight
• Ingress-protection rating, where applicable
• CE, UKCA or other required markings

Larger three-phase generators may show both kVA and kW ratings, together with voltage, current and power-factor information.

Do Inverter Generators Need Conformity Marking?

An inverter generator is still a generator and is subject to the regulatory requirements applicable to its design and intended market.

The inverter electronics do not remove the manufacturer’s obligations relating to machinery, electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility or other relevant requirements.

When choosing inverter generators, check both the conformity information and the technical specification, including rated output, waveform quality and total harmonic distortion.

Do Open-Frame Generators Need Conformity Marking?

Yes, where they fall within legislation requiring a conformity marking.

An open-frame generator may present accessible hot surfaces, moving parts, fuel-system risks and electrical hazards that must be considered during the manufacturer’s conformity assessment.

The lack of an acoustic enclosure does not reduce the manufacturer’s legal safety obligations.

Can a Seller Apply CE or UKCA Marking Themselves?

A retailer or distributor should not simply add a conformity mark to an unmarked product.

Applying the marking carries legal significance and must be supported by the appropriate assessment, documentation and declaration.

A business that markets equipment under its own name or brand, substantially modifies a product or imports it without the original manufacturer fulfilling the necessary obligations may take on additional legal responsibilities.

Businesses in this position should obtain specialist product-compliance advice before placing the equipment on the market.

Responsibilities of an Importer

An importer bringing generators into the UK should confirm that the manufacturer has completed the applicable conformity process.

Importer checks may include:

• Confirming the correct conformity marking is present
• Checking that the Declaration of Conformity is available
• Ensuring the product can be identified by model, type or serial number
• Checking manufacturer details
• Providing importer contact details where required
• Confirming that instructions and safety information are provided in English
• Ensuring transport and storage do not compromise compliance
• Taking action where a product may be unsafe or non-compliant

Importers should retain the required records for the period specified by the applicable legislation.

Responsibilities of a Distributor

Distributors include retailers, wholesalers and other businesses supplying products that have already been placed on the market.

Before supplying a generator, a distributor should take reasonable care to check that:

• The required marking is present
• The manufacturer and importer are identifiable
• The product has suitable instructions
• Safety warnings are supplied
• The equipment does not show obvious signs of non-compliance

A distributor should not continue selling a generator where there is reason to believe it is unsafe or does not meet the relevant legal requirements.

Common Warning Signs of a Non-Compliant Generator

No single sign proves that a generator is non-compliant, but potential warning signs include:

• No identifiable manufacturer
• No model or serial number
• No conformity marking where one is required
• A distorted or incorrectly proportioned logo
• No Declaration of Conformity
• No English-language instructions
• Missing electrical ratings
• Unsafe or unsuitable sockets
• Exposed wiring
• Poor guarding around moving parts
• No hot-surface or exhaust warnings
• Unverifiable emissions claims
• Documentation that refers to a different model

Buyers should ask the supplier for clarification where product identification or compliance documentation is incomplete.

What Should Buyers Check Before Purchasing?

Before purchasing a generator, check:

• The manufacturer and model are clearly identified
• The correct conformity marking is present for the intended market
• A relevant Declaration of Conformity is available
• The declaration matches the exact model
• English instructions and safety information are supplied
• The rated voltage and frequency are correct
• The sockets are suitable for the intended use
• The generator has appropriate electrical protection
• Noise information is available
• Engine-emissions information is credible
• The supplier offers parts, servicing and warranty support

The correct choice should also be based on the generator’s continuous output rather than conformity marking alone.

Does Conformity Marking Guarantee Safe Use?

No. A compliant generator can still be dangerous if it is installed or operated incorrectly.

Safe operation requires the user to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, including requirements relating to:

• Outdoor operation
• Carbon-monoxide safety
• Ventilation and cooling
• Earthing arrangements
• Electrical loading
• Fuel handling
• Refuelling
• Maintenance
• Suitable cables and connectors

A petrol or diesel generator must never be operated inside a home, garage, shed, vehicle, warehouse, tent or other enclosed or partly enclosed area.

Can Non-Compliant Products Be Recalled?

Businesses must take corrective action where they have reason to believe that a product they supplied does not meet the applicable requirements.

Depending on the circumstances and level of risk, action may include:

• Correcting documentation or labelling
• Bringing the product into conformity
• Stopping further sales
• Withdrawing stock from distribution
• Recalling products from customers
• Notifying the relevant enforcement authority

Enforcement authorities may also require withdrawal or recall and may take further action where businesses fail to cooperate.

CE vs UKCA: Quick Comparison

What to Check Before Selling a Generator

Manufacturers, importers and distributors should establish:

• Which market the generator will be supplied into
• Which product regulations apply
• Whether CE, UKCA, CE and UKNI or another marking is required
• Whether self-declaration is permitted
• Whether third-party assessment is required
• Which standards have been applied
• Whether the technical documentation is complete
• Whether the Declaration of Conformity is accurate
• Whether all product and operator labels are correct
• Whether instructions are supplied in the required language
• Whether traceability information is present

Rules can vary between sectors and may change. Current official guidance and the relevant legislation should always be checked.

Conclusion

CE and UKCA markings are important indicators that a manufacturer has followed the applicable product-conformity process.

CE marking is used for products placed on the European Union market and under the relevant Northern Ireland arrangements. UKCA marking applies to regulated products placed on the market in Great Britain.

CE marking also continues to be recognised in Great Britain for many product sectors, although businesses must check the specific requirements applying to the product being supplied.

A conformity mark is not a general quality award and should not be the only consideration when selecting a generator. Buyers should also examine the manufacturer, technical specification, continuous output, safety features, documentation, warranty and after-sales support.

Manufacturers, importers and distributors must ensure that markings are supported by genuine assessment, technical documentation and an accurate Declaration of Conformity.

Where there is uncertainty about the applicable regulations or conformity-assessment route, specialist product-compliance advice should be obtained before the generator is manufactured, imported or offered for sale.