The marks and the law
Two kinds of rules apply to PPE.
- Product rules - for manufacturers and sellers. Is the product safe to sell?
- Workplace rules - for employers. Is the right PPE given and used?
Read this ifYou want to know what CE / UKCA / UKNI mean and what employers must do
Product rules: GB, NI and ROI
The marking route depends on where the product is sold.
- 1GB
UK PPE Regulation 2016/425 (as retained). CE or UKCA accepted for PPE.
- 2NI
EU Regulation 2016/425 applies under the Windsor Framework. CE, or CE + UKNI.
- 3ROI
EU Regulation 2016/425 applies directly. CE only.
- 4Every product
Instructions in English, Declaration of Conformity available, manufacturer and importer details, correct category checks.
The marks
The mark tells you which rule book the manufacturer followed.
CE
Made to EU rules.
GB, NI and ROI
UKCA
Made to GB rules.
GB only
UKNI
Only next to CE, when a UK-based body did the check.
Northern Ireland only
Which mark is valid where?
| Mark | GB | NI | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| CE | ✓ recognised indefinitely for PPE | ✓ | ✓ |
| UKCA only | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| CE + UKNI | ✓ qualifying NI goods | ✓ | ✕ |
- 5 mmMarks must be at least 5 mm high.
- Manufacturer's claimA mark is the manufacturer's claim. It is not a government approval.
- CE 2797A 4-digit number after the mark = Category III PPE.
Official artwork: CE from the European Commission; UKCA and UKNI from GOV.UK.
- CE = made to EU rules.
- UKCA = made to GB rules.
- UKNI = only next to CE, when a UK-based body did the check. Northern Ireland only.
| Mark | GB | NI | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| CE | ✓ (recognised indefinitely for PPE) | ✓ | ✓ |
| UKCA only | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| CE + UKNI | ✓ (qualifying NI goods) | ✓ | ✕ |
- Marks must be at least 5 mm high.
- A mark is the manufacturer's claim. It is not a government approval.
Where to find them on the label
A typical sewn-in label or packaging panel. Not every product shows every item, but most of these are legal requirements.
EN 3884X43D
EN 407X1XXXX5
2797710/2026 · LOT 4471Example label (illustrative). Not every product shows every item.
- ACME
Manufacturer's name and address
Manufacturer (and importer for goods from outside the UK/EU). Needed so the product can be traced.
- Model 123
Product name or type
Must match the Declaration of Conformity.
- Size 9
Size
Gloves 6-11, clothing by body measurements (EN ISO 13688).
- EN 388
Standard pictogram + code
Each test result sits under or beside its pictogram.
- i
Read the instructions
The open book "i" symbol means important information is in the user leaflet.
- CE 2797
Conformity mark (+ body number)
CE and/or UKCA. A 4-digit number after the mark means Category III PPE.
- 10/2026
Date or batch
Batch or date of manufacture. Some items also show an expiry or obsolescence date.
PPE categories
The category is about the risk. Higher risk means more checking before the product can be sold (Regulation (EU) 2016/425, Annex I).
| Category | Risk level | Examples | Who checks it | What you see on the label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Minimal risks only | Gardening gloves, sunglasses, EN 14058 cool-weather wear, rain wear (EN 343, some) | Manufacturer self-declares (Module A) | CE / UKCA - no number |
| II | Everything not in I or III | Hi-vis, most safety footwear, helmets, safety glasses, EN 388 mechanical gloves | Notified / approved body type-examines the design (Module B), manufacturer controls production (Module C) | CE / UKCA - no number |
| III | Very serious: death or irreversible harm | FFP masks and filters, harnesses and lanyards, chemical gloves and suits, FR/arc clothing, hearing protection, chainsaw trousers | Type-examination (Module B) plus ongoing production checks by a body (Module C2 or D) | CE 1234 / UKCA 1234 - 4-digit body number |
- Category I - simple, low risk. Manufacturer checks it.
- Category II - most PPE. An independent body checks the design.
- Category III - could kill or cause lasting harm. A body checks the design and keeps checking production.
- The clue: Category III shows a 4-digit number after the mark, e.g. CE 2797.
The Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
- A signed statement from the manufacturer.
- It lists the law, the standards and the body that checked it.
- Ask your supplier for it. Most manufacturers put it online.
What the employer must do
Same core duties in GB, NI and Ireland.
| Duty | What it means | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Assess the risk | Find the hazards. Decide who could be hurt and how. | MHSWR 1999 reg 3 (GB); NI 2000; 2005 Act s.19 (IE) |
| PPE last | First remove the hazard or control it at source. PPE is the last line. | PPE Regs 1992 reg 4(1); GA Regs 2007 reg 62 (IE) |
| Free of charge | You must not charge workers for PPE they need. | HSWA 1974 s.9; NI Order 1978 art.10; 2005 Act s.8(5) (IE) |
| Right fit, right job | Suitable for the risk and the person. Items worn together must work together. | PPE Regs 1992 regs 4-6; GA Regs 2007 regs 63-64 |
| Train and inform | Show people how to use, check and store it, and why. | PPE Regs 1992 reg 9; GA Regs 2007 reg 67 |
| Maintain and replace | Clean, repair, replace. Provide storage. | PPE Regs 1992 regs 7-8; GA Regs 2007 reg 66 |
| Make sure it is used | Supervise. Workers must use it and report loss or damage. | PPE Regs 1992 regs 10-11; 2005 Act s.13 (IE) |
- Assess the risk.
- Use PPE as the last line. Remove or reduce the hazard first.
- Give PPE free. Never charge for PPE that work needs.
- Pick the right PPE. Right for the job and the person. Items worn together must work together.
- Train people. How to wear, check and store it.
- Look after it. Clean, repair, replace, store.
- Make sure it is used. Workers must use it and report damage.
Common mistakes
- Thinking UKCA is needed in GB. For PPE, CE is still accepted.
- Selling UKCA-only stock into NI or Ireland.
- Charging staff for boots or deducting PPE from wages.
- Treating a CE mark as proof the product suits your job.
The law
Workplace duties (using PPE) are separate from product rules (making and selling PPE).
- 1Main Act
GB: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. NI: Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978.
- 2Regulations
PPE at Work Regs 1992 (amended 2022) / NI 1993 (amended). Management Regs 1999 / NI 2000. Plus Noise, COSHH, Work at Height, First Aid, Signs.
- 3Enforced by
GB: HSE and local authorities. NI: HSENI and district councils.
- 4Employer must
Risk assessment. Use PPE as a last resort. Provide it free. Make sure it fits and is compatible. Train, store, maintain, replace.
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Section 9: no charge for required safety items.
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Risk assessment.
- Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. Amended in 2022: duties now cover "limb (b)" workers too (casual / gig workers).
- Specific rules: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, COSHH 2002, Work at Height Regulations 2005, First-Aid Regulations 1981, Safety Signs Regulations 1996.
- Product rules: UK PPE Regulation 2016/425 (retained), CE or UKCA.
- Enforced by HSE and local councils.
Workplace rules are UK law (HSENI). PPE sold here must carry CE, or CE + UKNI. UKCA on its own isn't valid in NI.
- Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.
- Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (NI) 1993 (amended to cover limb (b) workers).
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (NI) 2000, plus NI noise, COSHH, work at height, first aid and signs regulations.
- Product rules: EU PPE Regulation 2016/425 applies under the Windsor Framework. CE, or CE + UKNI. Source: GOV.UK.
- Enforced by HSENI and district councils.
How European law becomes duties for Irish employers (PPE example).
- 1EU rule
Directive 89/391/EEC (framework), 89/656/EEC (use of PPE), 2003/10/EC (noise), 92/58/EEC (signs). Regulation (EU) 2016/425 sets product rules and applies directly.
- 2Irish law
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 + General Application Regulations 2007 (S.I. 299/2007): PPE Part 2 Ch.3, work at height Part 4, noise Part 5 Ch.1, signs Part 7 Ch.1, first aid Part 7 Ch.2.
- 3Enforced by
Health and Safety Authority (HSA). HSA guidance explains how to comply.
- 4Employer must
Assess risk. Remove or reduce it first. Provide suitable CE-marked PPE free of charge. Train, maintain, replace. Consult workers.
EU rule → Irish law → what you do
| EU rule | Irish law | Employer must |
|---|---|---|
| Framework Directive 89/391/EEC | Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 | Assess risk, write a safety statement, consult staff |
| PPE Use Directive 89/656/EEC | General Application Regulations 2007, Part 2 Ch.3 (regs 62-67) | Provide suitable PPE free, assess it, train, maintain |
| PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 | Applies directly (no Irish transposition needed) | Buy CE-marked PPE |
- Section 8(5) of the 2005 Act: PPE must be free of cost to employees.
- Enforced by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
Frequently asked questions
Is UKCA needed on PPE sold in Great Britain?
No. For PPE, CE is still accepted in GB (recognised indefinitely for PPE). UKCA-only stock is not valid in Northern Ireland or Ireland.
What does the number after the CE mark mean?
A 4-digit number after the mark, e.g. CE 2797, shows Category III PPE. A body checks the design and keeps checking production.
Can an employer charge staff for PPE?
No. PPE needed for work must be free to the worker. Never charge for it or deduct it from wages.
