
- Classification and certification
What is the United Kingdom conformity assessment (UKCA)?
The United Kingdom conformity assessment (UKCA) sets out performance and testing standards to be met by marine equipment placed, or to be placed, on board UK ships in accordance with the UK’s conformity assessment procedures.
The equipment within the scope of the UKCA is set out in the UK legislation (SI 2016/1025, as amended by SI 2019/470 and in the Merchant Shipping Notice (MSN) 1874 (M+F), as amended).
What we offer
The UKCA cover types of marine equipment that fall under the following International Conventions developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO):
- SOLAS 1974: Life-saving appliances/navigation equipment/radio equipment
- MARPOL 1973: Marine pollution
- COLREGS 1972: Prevention of collisions
We offer UK certification for: Type Examination (Module B), Unit Verification (Module G), Product Verification (Module F) and the production-control phase (Modules D or E), under the following categories:
- Life-saving appliances
- Marine pollution prevention equipment
- Fire protection equipment
- Navigation equipment
- Equipment required under Colreg 72
- Other safety equipment
- Equipment under SOLAS Chapter II
Our application process is quick and easy – to start the process, please complete the application checklist, which should be submitted to the LR Local Office. Please find out more about the process by downloading our guidelines here.

Why LR?
LR's third-party certification services provide confidence to manufacturers and clients by ensuring products and components meet high standards, offering compliance and performance services to make businesses safe, sustainable, and efficient. These go beyond pass/fail assessments by connecting clients with expertise and sharing domain experience to add value and clarify technical details.
Founded on social purpose values, LR focuses on safety and delivering sustainable change for the future. LR provide technical capabilities through digital services, utilising data and real-time intelligence for transparency and oversight throughout project lifecycles.
Related Services
We can issue marine equipment certificates covering class rules or other key regulations including EU (MED), UK (UKCA), and, for certain items, for US vessels (USCG) and for Transport Canada, or EU RO Mutual Recognition. Get all your certificates from one source in a smart and efficient way, with LR.
Regulations
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The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016
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The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
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The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) (Amendment) (UK and US Mutual Recognition Agreement) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
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MIN 590 Amendment 5 (M+F) United Kingdom conformity assessment procedures for marine equipment
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MSN 1874 (M+F) Amendment 9: Marine Equipment – United Kingdom conformity assessment procedures for marine equipment, other approvals and standards