CE applies in the EU and UKCA in Great Britain. Kitchen units are not always in scope, but components and some fitted products may be. Scope is decided per product, not per project, so a cabinet can be in scope for one component and out for another. Confirm the scope and the declaration before assuming a mark is needed.
CE applies in the EU; UKCA in Great Britain.
Scope is per product and per component.
A declaration of conformity supports the mark.
The technical file is kept by the manufacturer or importer.
Northern Ireland follows a separate regime.
1. What the marks mean
CE and UKCA are marks that show a product meets the applicable regulations. They are not quality marks and not certificates of origin. A product in scope carries the mark and a declaration of conformity; a product out of scope does not, and adding a mark without scope is itself a problem.
2. CE vs UKCA
| Item | CE | UKCA |
|---|---|---|
| Market | EU | Great Britain |
| Scope | EU directives and regulations | UK regulations |
| Declaration | EU declaration of conformity | UK declaration of conformity |
| Technical file | Yes | Yes |
| Northern Ireland | Different route | Not the same as GB |
After Brexit the two regimes are separate. A CE declaration does not automatically become a UKCA declaration, even when the underlying standards are identical.
3. Scope for cabinets
Scope depends on the product and its components. A plain cabinet is often out of scope; a cabinet with electrical fittings, gas parts or specific safety features may be in scope for those components. Check each component against the applicable regulation, and record the conclusion in the project file.
4. The declaration of conformity
A declaration names the manufacturer, the product, the standards applied, the authorised signatory and the date. It is a legal statement, not a brochure line. Ask for the declaration that matches the exact product and the exact market.
5. The technical file
The technical file supports the declaration: drawings, test reports, material data and risk assessment. It is kept by the manufacturer or the importer, depending on the regime, and should be available to authorities on request. The compliance documents guide shows how it fits the wider pack.
6. Labelling and instructions
Where a mark applies, the product, packaging and instructions may need the mark, the manufacturer details and the market language. Missing labelling is a common finding at the border, and it is easy to fix before shipment.
7. UK, EU and Northern Ireland
The EU, Great Britain and Northern Ireland are three routes. A product that is compliant in one is not automatically compliant in the others. Confirm the route for each destination, and do not assume a CE file covers a UK shipment or a Northern Ireland delivery.
8. A scope checklist
Record four things: the product, the components, the applicable regulation and the conclusion. If the conclusion is out of scope, record why. A file that says nothing is worse than a file that says out of scope for a stated reason.
9. A checklist before you commit
Before you sign, confirm six things: the board grade, the hardware model, the finish system, the packing standard, the inspection scope and the payment schedule. Each should be in writing, not in a call. The quote checklist turns the six into a one-page comparison.
10. Common mistakes
The most common mistake is comparing a factory price with a landed cost. The second is leaving the inspection out of the budget. The third is paying the balance before the inspection is signed off. Each is avoidable with a written scope and a pre-shipment inspection.
11. How to measure the room
Measure each wall at three points, top, middle and bottom, and use the smallest. Walls are rarely square, and a 10 mm bow over three metres changes the filler. Measure the ceiling at each corner and note sockets, radiators and soil pipes before drawing. A measured survey saves more time than a faster drawing, and the measuring guide has a printable sheet.
Frequently asked questions
Do kitchen cabinets need CE marking?
Not always. CE applies to products within the scope of EU directives or regulations. Cabinets are often out of scope, but components such as electrical fittings or gas parts may be in scope. Check per product.
What replaced CE in the UK?
UKCA is the marking for Great Britain. CE is no longer automatically recognised for products that require UKCA, though some categories accept both during transition.
Does UKCA apply in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland follows different rules under the Windsor Framework. Treat it as a separate route and confirm the applicable regime.
What does a declaration of conformity contain?
The manufacturer, the product, the standards applied, the authorised signatory and the date. It is supported by a technical file kept by the manufacturer.
Who prepares the technical file?
The manufacturer or the importer, depending on the regime. The file supports the declaration and should be available to authorities on request.
How long should the file be kept?
Usually five years, or the period stated by the applicable regulation. Keep it longer if the project warranty runs longer.
