Our Expertise
Consistent quality, safety and sustainability for products depend on the effectiveness of the quality control systems and processes that support them.
One-Stop-Shop Certification & Auditing
Our auditors can combine the Conformity Assessment Module D audits for the Marine Equipment, PPE Products and Construction Products as applicable, providing a cost-effective solution for manufacturers targeting both EU & UK markets.
UKAS Accredited
Through our UK based auditors, can also provide ISO 9001 certification, and can conduct a Module D audit alongside the ISO 9001 audit. This allows a manufacturer to gain Quality Management Systems approval at the same time as fulfilling their regulatory obligations.
PPE Risk Categories
PPE Category I
PPE to protect against minimal risks (e.g. gardening gloves, washing up gloves, sunglasses).
- The manufacturer must ensure conformity with the Regulations and any applicable standards. There is no approved body involvement.
- Once satisfied it conforms, they make their UK declaration of conformity, and apply the UKCA mark.
- BTTG®’s PPE laboratories can provide testing against the requirements of any standards or Regulation requirements.
PPE Category II
All PPE that is not Category I or Category III (e.g. High visibility clothing, industrial heat and flame protection).
- The manufacturer must submit their PPE to a UK approved body such as BTTG®, for Module B type-examination.
- Once issued, the manufacturer can make their UK declaration of conformity, and apply the UKCA mark.
PPE Category III
Risks causing death or serious injury (e.g. Firefighter PPE, Chemical, Arc Flash, Chainsaw protection).
- Module B type-examination is required, and either:
- Module C2, annual selection and testing by a UK approved body, or; (link to BTTG® PPE Module C2 page)
- Module D, annual audit of the manufacturer’s quality management system by a UK Approved Body. (link to BTTG® PPE Module D page)
- Once the Module B is issued and either Module C2 or Module D are in place, the manufacturer can make their UK declaration of conformity, and apply the UKCA mark.
- The ID number of the UK approved body carrying out Modules C2 or D is placed beside the UKCA mark.
Ensuring PPE ComplianceUKCA Marking of PPE for the Great Britain Market
UK Conformity Assessment (UKCA) is the process by which manufacturers verify that their PPE complies with PPE Regulations for the Great Britain (GB) market, allowing them to apply the UKCA mark before placing products on the market. UK-approved bodies are designated to conduct mandatory third-party assessments as part of this process.
Navigating UKNI MarkingUKNI Marking Requirements for PPE in the Northern Ireland Market
Northern Ireland (NI) aligns with EU rules for manufactured goods, so PPE marketed in NI must comply with UK law as it applies to NI, implementing the EU PPE Regulation.
Manufacturers have two options for marking PPE in NI:
- Use the CE mark, which for Category II and III requires certification from an EU notified body.
- Alternatively, if certified by a UK body (UK notified body), apply the CE mark with the UKNI marking. Note that the UKNI marking is valid only within NI.
For complete guidance on PPE regulations in Great Britain and NI, covering CE certification, the CE mark, and compliance obligations for manufacturers, authorized representatives, importers, and distributors, refer to the latest UK Government resources
Our range of UKAS accredited tests can be found here, together with tests which have recently been approved via our flexible scope.
Please contact our certification team today if you would like to find out more about any of the services we offer.
