Construction Products Regulation in Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Protocol provides for a new UK(NI) indication (also known as the ‘UKNI marking’). This is a new additional conformity marking for products placed on the market in Northern Ireland. However, it is important to note that is not required for all goods being placed on the NI market. CE marking with the UK(NI) indication is required only if the mandatory third-party conformity assessment for a product is conducted by a body based in the United Kingdom.

You need to use a conformity marking if you are placing certain goods on the market to show they meet the relevant rules. In NI, after the end of the transition period, EU conformity markings will continue to be used to show goods meet EU rules. For most construction products, this is the CE marking. If using a conformity body based in the EU, this is the only marking required.

If you choose to use UK bodies for approvals or certification, in addition to the EU conformity marking, you must also affix the UK(NI) indication

The UK(NI) indication is not permitted on its own - it must always accompany the EU conformity marking. If you are placing goods on the EU market, you must follow EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR) rules. This includes using an EU-recognised conformity assessment body and CE marking.

It is important to note that goods bearing the CE marking with UK(NI) indication will not be accepted on the EU market, as UK conformity assessment bodies will no longer be recognised by the EU. For goods to be accepted on the EU market, conformity assessment must have been conducted by an EU-recognised body.

When to use the UK(NI) indication

You will need to use the UK(NI) indication if:

• you are placing goods subject to CE marking on the NI market after the end of the transition period
• your goods require mandatory third-party conformity assessment
• you use a UK body to carry out those conformity assessments after the end of the transition period

You do not need to use the UK(NI) indication if:

• you use an EU body to carry out conformity assessments

If you are a manufacturer based in NI (or the manufacturer’s authorised representative) and you currently mark your goods on the basis of a supplier’s declaration of conformity (ie, self-certify), you will not need to make any changes. Qualifying NI goods will continue to have full access to the Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) market using those markings, because of the principle of unfettered access. The intention is that those CE marked goods will be accepted on the GB market until 30 June 2025 even if they are not qualifying NI goods.

Find more information on how to use the UK(NI) indication alongside the CE marking, including templates.

Using UK approved bodies

For the NI market, UK ‘approved bodies’ will be designated by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and allowed to assess the performance of construction products to EU harmonised standards. This will enable economic operators to use the CE marking with the UK(NI) indication and place their product on the NI market.

These bodies will be listed on the UK Market Conformity Assessment Body (UKMCAB) database.