Conformity assessment testing under mutual recognition or free trade agreements
When you can use a designated UK-based conformity assessment body (CAB) to test your goods against the importing market’s regulations.
This guidance sets out:
- where the UK has mutual recognition or conformity assessment arrangements through standalone or free trade agreements
- how to find an approved conformity assessment body (CAB) to test your product for compliance
Complying with local product safety regulations
Your products must meet the domestic regulations of the country in which they are being sold.
You can check compliance for some products through approved CABs. These are independent testing bodies who are authorised to test against the importing market’s regulations.
Mutual recognition agreements
Conformity assessment treaties make it easier for businesses to export goods. These mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) help both UK importers and exporters. They make the conformity assessment process simpler by lowering costs and administrative barriers.
MRAs allow, in the agreed sectors, for UK exporters to use designated UK-based CABs to check product compliance against the importing country’s regulations. They also allow exporters in an MRA partner country to use their designated domestic CABs to test against Great Britain’s regulations.
For example, under the UK-Canada MRA, you can use a UK CAB to prove that your product meets Canadian electromagnetic compatibility regulations. You can then sell your equipment in the Canadian market without further checks.
Search for conformity assessment bodies
The UK Market Conformity Assessment Bodies (UKMCAB) database is the definitive source for UK government appointed CABs.
Certifying for UK market
Search the UKMCAB database to find a CAB who can certify your goods for the Great Britain and Northern Ireland markets.
Use the ‘registered office location’ filter on the UKMCAB search page if you are an overseas company looking to export to the UK. This finds approved CABs in your country that can test against regulations for the market in Great Britain.
Note this database does not include bodies accredited for:
- automotives or motor vehicles
- good manufacturing practice (GMP) of pharmaceuticals
- good laboratory practice (GLP) of chemicals
Find out more on what you need to do to comply with regulations when placing:
- manufactured products on the market in Great Britain
- manufactured products on the market in Northern Ireland
Read more about the different regulatory requirements that apply in Northern Ireland.
Certifying for an overseas market
Use the ‘body type’ filter on the UKMCAB search page to find a UK CAB who can test to an MRA partner country’s regulations.
Note this list does not include bodies accredited for:
- automotives or motor vehicles
- GMP of pharmaceuticals
- GLP of chemicals
UK conformity assessment mutual recognition agreements
Australia
Find out what sectors are covered by the UK-Australia MRA.
New Zealand
Find out what sectors are covered by the UK-New Zealand MRA.
Switzerland
Find out what sectors are covered by the UK-Switzerland MRA.
USA
Find out what sectors are covered by the:
Mutual recognition or conformity assessment provisions in the UK’s FTAs
Some of the UK’s free trade agreements (FTAs) contain protocols or provisions on conformity assessment.
Canada
Go to Trade with Canada to find out about the protocol relating to the mutual acceptance of the results of conformity assessment.
Israel
Go to Trade with Israel to find out about conformity assessment provision and acceptance of results for the GMP of pharmaceuticals.
Japan
Go to Trade with Japan to find out about the conformity assessment protocol.
Switzerland
Go to Trade with Switzerland to find out about the trade agreement MRA covering motor vehicles, GMP of pharmaceuticals and GLP of chemicals.