CE & UKCA Certification for Hydrogen Equipment

The growing hydrogen economy promises greener energy solutions and new manufacturing opportunities in the UK and Europe. If you manufacture, supply, or install hydrogen equipment, ensuring compliance with relevant safety and quality standards is crucial. CE (Conformité Européenne) and UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) markings demonstrate that hydrogen equipment meets applicable regulations, safeguarding users and regulatory compliance.

With the UK having officially adopted the UKCA mark post-Brexit, businesses operating in Great Britain must understand how this certification differs from CE marking still recognised in Northern Ireland and the European Economic Area. Our expert insurance products are designed to complement your compliance efforts, helping protect your business with tailored manufacturing and product liability coverage.

In this detailed guide, we'll explore the CE & UKCA certification process for hydrogen equipment, key regulatory considerations, compliance timelines, and risks requiring comprehensive insurance solutions.

What is CE Marking?

The CE mark is a mandatory conformity symbol for certain products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA). It indicates that a product complies with EU legislation, particularly regarding safety, health, and environmental protection. For hydrogen equipment — including storage tanks, fuel cells, pipelines, and refuelling stations — CE marking certifies adherence to directives such as the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), the Machinery Directive, and potentially others depending on your product.

Obtaining CE certification involves conformity assessment procedures, technical documentation, and, where necessary, involvement of a Notified Body to evaluate product safety.

What is UKCA Marking?

The UKCA mark is the UK's replacement for the CE mark for products placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales). Introduced after the UK left the EU, the UKCA marking confirms that products meet UK regulations. For hydrogen equipment manufacturers and suppliers in Great Britain, achieving UKCA certification ensures continued market access and compliance with British standards.

The UKCA requirements largely mirror existing CE marking rules but may diverge further as UK law evolves. The Northern Ireland Protocol means that CE marking remains valid and necessary for products marketed in Northern Ireland.

Hydrogen Equipment Compliance Framework

Hydroge-related technologies often fall under multiple regulatory frameworks including:

• Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU — for pressurised vessels and safety devices
• Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC — for devices integrating mechanical or electrical components
• ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU — for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres
• UK Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 — UK equivalent of PED
• Gas Appliances Regulations 2018 (UK)
• Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (UKCA-related)

Depending on the specific hydrogen equipment type and use case, you may need one or multiple certifications. Early-stage consultation with a certification body or expert consultant is highly recommended to clarify applicable standards and testing requirements.

Essential Steps for Certification

Both CE and UKCA certification follow a similar pathway including product design, risk assessment, technical documentation, testing, and conformity verification. Key steps include:

• Classify your equipment: Determine applicable directives and categories based on hazard potential, pressure ranges, and usage environment.
• Create technical documentation: Include design drawings, risk assessments, test reports, user manuals, and compliance declarations.
• Testing and assessment: Internal assessment and/or third-party testing by Notified Bodies (for CE) or Approved Bodies (for UKCA) as applicable.
• Compile a Declaration of Conformity: Formally declare compliance to applicable provisions in your documentation.
• Affix marking: Apply CE and/or UKCA marks visibly on the product or packaging.
• Maintain ongoing compliance: Implement surveillance, quality control, and post-market vigilance systems.

Certification hubs, such as BSI and other UK Approved Bodies, offer expert services to assist manufacturers throughout this process.

Organising your quality and compliance processes early can reduce delays and enhance customer confidence in the growing hydrogen sector.

Why Insurance Matters Alongside Certification

Certification verifies the product meets legal and safety requirements, but it does not eliminate all business risks. Hydrogen equipment manufacturers and suppliers face potential liability claims related to product defects, installation errors, operational failures, or regulatory non-compliance.

Insure24 offers bespoke insurance solutions tailored for the hydrogen equipment sector, including:

• Product liability insurance: Covering damages caused by faulty equipment or installation.
• Professional indemnity insurance: Protects against claims from design, engineering, or consultancy errors.
• Manufacturers’ combined insurance: Provides broad coverage including property, machinery breakdown, and business interruption.
• Environmental liability insurance: For risks related to hydrogen leaks or contamination incidents.
• Recall and crisis management insurance: Covers costs and assistance for product recalls and regulatory fines.

Investing in comprehensive insurance complements your compliance efforts by safeguarding your business assets and reputation.

Compliance Deadlines and Transition Periods

For businesses placing hydrogen equipment on the Great Britain market, the UK government allows a transition period for trading CE-marked goods until 31st December 2024. That means until then, CE marking will still be accepted, but from 1st January 2025 onwards, UKCA marking will be mandatory in these regions.

It’s important to plan ahead and start UKCA compliance processes early. For Northern Ireland, CE marking remains compulsory indefinitely due to the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Failing to comply with these marking requirements risks product being barred from sale, costly recalls, penalties, or even legal action. Insure24 can help assess your regulatory and insurance needs during these transition years.

Technical Standards Specific to Hydrogen Equipment

Apart from CE/UKCA legal frameworks, hydrogen equipment manufacturers should also consider adherence to harmonised European and international standards ensuring best practice and market acceptance.

• ISO 19880-1: Gaseous Hydrogen – Fuelling Stations – General Requirements
• ISO 26142: Hydrogen Detection Apparatus
• ISO 17268: Hydrogen Fueling Nozzle
• IEC 62282: Fuel Cell Technologies
• EN 13445: Unfired Pressure Vessels

Integrating these standards into your design and manufacturing processes supports successful certification and reduces risks.

Case Study: Hydrogen Equipment Manufacturer Secures Market Success

A UK-based company specialising in hydrogen storage tanks sought CE and UKCA marking to expand sales across Europe and Great Britain. They partnered with a Notified Body for certification testing and documentation review while purchasing tailored product liability and professional indemnity insurance with Insure24.

The combined compliance and insurance approach enabled swift market access, reduced risk exposure, and increased customer confidence. Insurance claims experts helped them manage a minor product defect recall quickly and efficiently, minimising financial impact.