UKCA Marking for Medical Devices: what's going on?

Post-Brexit there has been some confusion about the future use of UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) markings and when they must appear on our products and packaging. Here’s what medical device developers need to know about the latest timetables and technicalities of the transition from the EU CE marking to the UKCA.

What is the UKCA marking?

The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is a certification mark that indicates a product, including medical devices, conforms to UK regulatory requirements and standards. 

Following Brexit, this marking was intended to replace the CE Marking (which signalled conformity with EU regulations) as the indication a product could legally be sold in the UK.

But this goal has been subject to several delays and back-tracks since the UK voted to leave the European Union.  

And it’s worth noting that Northern Ireland will continue to use the CE marking permanently as part of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Will the UKCA marking be required for every product sold in the UK? 

Most recently, the UK government has U-turned on the decision to replace the EU CE marking for ALL goods sold in England, Scotland and Wales.

There are now reportedly 18 areas where the implementation of the UKCA will be delayed indefinitely. These include machinery, low-voltage electrical equipment, Atex equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres, and lifts. Some manufacturers have heaved a sigh of relief that they will be saved the duplicate effort of seeking two sets of almost identical approval.

Will medical devices require the new UKCA marking?

Yes. Medical device developers are not included in the list of excluded product type. Instead, the UK government is intent on implementing the UKCA marking as part of conformity requirements for medical devices that are sold in the UK. This reflects the different regulatory environment in med tech that will be maintained by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency), Post Brexit.   

What regulations apply to developers selling medical devices in the UK?

Developers who want to sell their medical devices in the UK are currently required to adhere to regulations set out in the Medical Devices Regulations 2002 (as amended) which implemented into domestic legislation three EU Directives:

• Medical Devices Directive (93/42/EEC) (as amended by 2007/47/EC)
• Active Implantable Medical Devices Directive (90/385/EEC)
• In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Directive (98/79/EC)

How will the EU and UK Regulations diverge?

The UK regulations are administered and overseen by the MHRA. Although currently based on the EU legislation, over time these will develop into more UK specific regulations. Politicians hope the ability to determine our own regulation will give a new kind of freedom and flexibility for UK developers to compete internationally. As the Chancellor said in their 2023 budget statement:

But transition to the new regulatory regime is talking more time than expected.

What’s the latest timetable for implementing UKCA markings for medical devices?

The UK government recently announced that the new UK legislation and the UKCA Marking deadline of 1st July 2023 would be postponed for medical device developers. 

It now appears the deadline for both will be July 2025. But the MHRA will continue to recognise European CE Marking for an extended transition period from 2028-2030 depending on the type of device.

What is the process for securing your UKCA marking?

The MHRA have designated ‘UK Approved Bodies’ to oversee and ensure the compliance of medical devices and products within the UK market. These bodies are equivalent to the EU Notified Bodies that ensure conformity with EU law. 

The UK approved bodies are responsible for conducting assessments, certifications, and regular audits to ensure that medical products meet the necessary safety and performance standards.

10 steps to managing the transition to the UKCA marking

1. Register your product

Before placing a medical device on the Great Britain market, manufacturers (or their authorised representative) must register with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

2. Appoint an authorised Representative

If the manufacturer is not based in the UK, they must appoint a UK-based representative AKA the ‘UK Responsible Person’.

3. Understand which CA route applies to you: 

Depending on the classification of their medical device, manufacturers will need to choose an appropriate conformity assessment route. Some devices can be self-certified, but others will need a more rigorous assessment based on their classification and risk profile. Information on UK classification system can be found the the UK government’s website.

4. Engage a UK Approved Body

For certain classes of medical devices, then manufacturers will need to select a UK Approved Body to work with. This body will evaluate the device to ensure it meets the necessary regulatory requirements.

5. Prepare your Technical Documentation: 

Manufacturers will need to prepare the technical documentation that provides evidence of conformity with the relevant legislation. This documentation will be reviewed by the UK Approved Body.

6. Undertake Conformity Assessment

The UK Approved Body will conduct a conformity assessment, which may include inspecting the manufacturing site, reviewing technical documentation, and testing the device.

7. Declaration of Conformity 

Once the device has been assessed and deemed to meet all requirements, the manufacturer will need to draw up a UK Declaration of Conformity. This is a formal statement that the device complies with the relevant regulations.

8. Affix the UKCA Mark

After the declaration of conformity is complete, the manufacturer can affix the UKCA mark to the device. The marking must be visible, legible, and indelible.

9. Post-market Surveillance

Even after obtaining the UKCA mark, be aware manufacturers will have ongoing responsibilities to be answerable to the MHRA, including monitoring the performance of the device in the market and reporting any adverse events. There are new PMS requirements promised by the MHRA which developers should take note of.

10. Renewal and Updates: 

Depending on the device and the chosen conformity assessment route, manufacturers may need to undergo periodic reviews or renewals with their UK Approved Body.

There is no doubt, following Brexit, that there will be additional work for medical device developers as they prepare to sell their devices in the UK and EU. After all, there are now two separate regulatory regimes to comply with.

But at least both regimes (and now the FDA) strongly align with ISO 13485:2016. If you have gained this standard - and are using the right eQMS software - it should be relatively straightforward to assemble the required documentation and manage audits by the relevant certifying bodies.

But as various UKCA deadlines come and go - or are shuffled around - smart device developers are being proactive. They are following the news, working closely with consultants to ensure they have the best advice, and ensuring the digital tools that are using are as agile and flexible as possible.