💢 Media Interview on UKCA Marking and the UK–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA)
On September 9, 2022, in response to an interview by a journalist from Vietnam News (Vietnam News Agency)—a press agency under the direction of the Government—Vietnam News has been publishing articles to promote the UK–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA).
To provide useful information for organizations and enterprises, the editorial team sought insights from experts, businesses, and managers in this field in order to deliver objective and multi-dimensional coverage of the agreement.
✅ Below is an excerpt from the interview with
Ms. Le Kim Ngan – Sales Consultant Manager – VINTECOM International Management Consulting Co., Ltd.,
aimed at providing organizations and enterprises with essential information when seeking UKCA certification for access to the UK market.
1. Vietnam News (VN News):
Could you briefly introduce your company’s activities and services, especially those related to UKCA?
Ms. Le Kim Ngan (LKN):
VINTECOM International Management Consulting Co., Ltd. operates in the fields of training and consulting for certification of management systems, environmental standards, social responsibility, and product compliance across various sectors of the economy, including:
- Industrial manufacturing
- Mechanical engineering
- Automotive
- Electronics
- Information technology
- Telecommunications
- Food and pharmaceuticals
- Textile and garment
- Services and logistics
Our services are aligned with international standards such as:
ISO, IATF, VDA, CSR, CE marking, UKCA marking, CSA mark, GS mark, RoHS, REACH, QC 080000, and many other international standards, ensuring that organizations’ products are qualified to participate in global supply chains and international markets.
For more details, please refer to our website:
https://www.vintecom.com.vn/gioi-thieu/tai-sao-lua-chon-cong-ty-tu-van-iso-vintecom-quoc-te-tam-nhin---su-cd5927.html?lang=vi-VN
2. VN News:
What is the UKCA mark? Which products does it apply to, and what requirements must they meet?
LKN:
The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark indicates that a product complies with the applicable legislation and is eligible to be placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales).
Product categories requiring UKCA marking include:
- Toys
- Fireworks
- Recreational craft and personal watercraft (hull length < 4m)
- Simple pressure vessels
- Electromagnetic compatibility equipment
- Non-automatic weighing instruments
- Measuring instruments
- Bottles/container volume measurement
- Lifts
- Equipment for explosive atmospheres (UKEX)
- Radio equipment
- Pressure equipment
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Gas appliances
- Machinery
- Outdoor equipment
- Ecodesign products
- Aerosols
- Low-voltage electrical equipment
The applicable technical requirements (essential requirements) depend on the specific legislation governing each product. Therefore, organizations should refer to the relevant regulations or consult VINTECOM International to identify applicable requirements and compliance pathways.
Some conformity assessment procedures allow self-declaration, while higher-risk products may require third-party assessment by Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs).
Example:
Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment
3. VN News:
What is the process for obtaining UKCA marking? Which organizations are authorized?
LKN:
To obtain UKCA marking, companies must submit an application to Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs).
After review and acceptance:
- The manufacturer or authorized representative (such as VINTECOM) will support the development of:
- Technical documentation
- Compliance systems
These documents demonstrate compliance with UK government regulations.
CABs are the authorized organizations responsible for assessment and certification under UKCA requirements.
4. VN News:
What are the benefits of UKCA marking? Is it necessary for UKVFTA?
LKN:
UKCA marking is mandatory for products within regulated categories.
Benefits include:
- Market access to the United Kingdom
- Enhanced product credibility and brand value
- Certification by independent UK conformity bodies
To benefit from UKVFTA tariff preferences, companies must provide proper proof of origin documentation.
However, if products fall within UKCA scope, compliance with UKCA requirements is mandatory in addition to trade documentation.
5. VN News:
What are the technical characteristics of the UKCA mark?
LKN:
Use and placement of the UKCA mark:
- Typically affixed on the product or packaging
- Must be visible, legible, and indelible
- May appear in manuals or documentation depending on regulations
Manufacturers are fully responsible for compliance once the mark is applied.
Marking rules:
- Minimum height: 5 mm (unless otherwise specified)
- Must maintain correct proportions
- Can vary in color as long as visibility and readability are ensured
6. VN News:
Is UKCA marking permanent? Can it be withdrawn?
LKN:
UKCA certification is typically valid for up to 5 years, depending on the certificate.
Market surveillance authorities may request documentation at any time.
If non-compliance is identified:
- Certification may be suspended or withdrawn
- UKCA marking may become invalid
Manufacturers must maintain technical documentation according to applicable regulations.
📞 Contact for UKCA Certification Consulting
Organizations seeking support for UKCA certification for access to the UK market may contact:
VINTECOM International
Our Clients Support:
- Ms. Mai Nguyen – Sales Consultant
- Zalo/WhatsApp: +84 94 886 5288
- Email: sales.iso@vintecom.vn / support@vintecom.vn
VN News: Thank you for your participation in this interview.
Reference article:
“Transition from CE to UKCA could cause headache for exporters”
Organizations, enterprises Register for Training Courses, Consulting for certification of EU Rohs Directive & Reach Directive, Please contact:
📶📶📶 Contact to register for Training and Consulting services for CE marking, UKCA mark, EU Rohs Directive & Reach Directive
Customers, organizations and enterprises require the Training course, Consulting or Audit services of CE marking, UKCA mark, EU Rohs Directive & Reach Directive please click on "Registration - Quotation" or on the right toolbar below the PC screen to receive a quotation for Training, Consulting and Certification services.
📶📶📶 Further information, Please contact us as below:
☎ VINTECOM International Office in Ha Noi City: 16th Floor - Green Stars City, 234 Pham Van Dong Street, Phu Dien Ward, Hanoi City. Hotline 094-886-5288/ (024) 730-588-58
☎ VINTECOM International Office in Ho Chi Minh City: Glory Height Vinhome Grand Park - 88 Phuoc Thien Street, Long Binh Ward, HCM City. Hotline 0938-083-998/ (028) 7300-7588
VINTECOM INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY COMPANY
Head Office: No. 5 Hoang Sam treet, Nghia Do, Cau Giay district, Ha noi City
HANOI VINTECOM INTERNATIONAL OFFICE
Address: 16th Floor - Green Stars City
234 Pham Van Dong Street, Phu Dien Ward, Hanoi City
Tel : (024) 730.588.58/ (024) 730.333.86
Hotline: 094 886 5288
Skype: kd.vintecom
Email : office-hn@vintecom.com.vn
Web : www.vintecom.com.vn
HCM VINTECOM INTERNATIONAL OFFICE
Address : Glory Heights - Vinhomes Grand Park
88 Phuoc Thien Street, Long Binh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: Ms. Pham Thu Ha
Tel: (028) 7300 7588
Hotline: 0938 083 998
Email : office-hcm@vintecom.com.vn
Web : www.vintecom.com.vn