In the world of construction products, understanding the distinction between UKCA marking and Agrément Certification is essential for manufacturers, specifiers, and stakeholders aiming to ensure compliance, performance, and market trust. While both play important roles in product assurance, they serve very different purposes. 

UKCA Marking: Legal Compliance 

The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark is a mandatory conformity mark for those products placed on the market in Great Britain, which are covered by Designated Standards. It is the equivalent of the CE mark post-Brexit for the UK market. However, the CE mark is also still accepted in the UK for construction products. UKCA Marking indicates that a product meets the relevant requirements of the UK Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and has undergone appropriate conformity assessment procedures. 

Key characteristics of UKCA marking: 

• Mandatory for around one-third of construction products – those which are covered by Designated Standards.
• Based on testing to declare agreed performance characteristics, not fitness-for-purpose for any specific application.
• Valid indefinitely once applied, if conformity certification is maintained, unless legislation changes.
• No service life statement is typically provided.
• It is only a product specification – installation is not considered.

UKCA marking is essentially a declaration of conformity to a set of product characteristics set out in a Declaration of Performance. It confirms a product meets the minimum legal requirement to be sold in the UK market. 

Agrément Certification: Independent Performance Validation 

An Agrément Certificate, such as those issued by the British Board of Agrément (BBA), goes far beyond legal compliance. It is a voluntary, third-party certification that independently validates a product’s performance for a specific application, tailored to the UK climate, regulations, and construction practices. 

Key characteristics of Agrément Certification: 

• Voluntary and applicable to most construction products.
• Independently and impartially assessed using both manufacturer data and third-party testing.
• Includes a service life statement, relevant to UK conditions.
• Subject to mandatory three-year reviews and updates.
• Ongoing inspections of manufacturing facilities throughout the Certificate’s lifecycle.
• Provides installation guidance and assesses practicability.
• Offers assurance of fitness for purpose, not just compliance to a specification.

Agrément Certification can voluntarily be applied to most construction products to demonstrate fitness-for-purpose for a specific use. However, it is particularly valuable for innovative or sustainable products that fall outside the scope of Designated Standards. With over two-thirds of construction products not covered by mandatory Standards, Agrément offers specifiers the confidence they need to make informed choices. 

Why Agrément Matters More Than Ever 

In today’s evolving construction landscape, with increasing regulation and emphasis on sustainability, safety, and performance, Agrément Certification provides a robust layer of assurance. It’s not just about ticking a box; it’s about demonstrating a commitment to quality, durability, and fitness for purpose in the UK market. 

For manufacturers, it’s a powerful business asset. For specifiers, it’s a trusted source of validated information. And for the industry, it’s a step toward better and safer buildings.