Supplying valves to the UK: UKCA, WRAS and BS EN standards
After leaving the EU, Great Britain introduced its own UKCA marking, but most technical requirements remain close to the European ones. Here is what to check before signing a contract.
TAZ Engineering Team · · 6 min
UKCA or CE
Great Britain applies the Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 and UKCA marking. The government has extended recognition of CE marking for many product categories, so check the current guidance on gov.uk before ordering. Northern Ireland follows EU rules.
Water: WRAS
For valves in contact with drinking water, UK water companies usually require WRAS approval or equivalent evidence of compliance with the water fittings regulations. It is a separate material testing process.
Standards
BS EN standards mirror the European ones: BS EN 1092 flanges, BS EN 1171 for cast iron gate valves, BS EN 12266 testing. Oil and gas projects commonly use API and ASME.
Duties and logistics
The UK runs its own preference scheme for developing countries, so check the rate for your commodity code in the UK tariff. Ship by sea from Turkish ports or by road across continental Europe.
Checklist
- UKCA or CE
- WRAS for drinking water
- BS EN standards
- commodity code and duty
- UK importer of record
- route