Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025: What UK Electrical Manufacturers Need to Know

30 September 2025

Documentation

Tighter end-to-end evidence of safety and conformity from design through production and market surveillance.

Enforcement

Stronger powers for authorities (inspection, seizure, recalls/withdrawals) increase the cost of non-compliance.

Future-proofing

The Act is an “enabler” for quicker updates as technologies and risks evolve.

Action now

Close gaps in technical files, testing (safety + EMC), labelling and traceability. Build faster response capability.

Support

Kiwa’s UKAS-accredited testing and certification can de-risk compliance and accelerate time-to-market.

What the PRMA 2025 is—and why it matters now

The UK’s Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 (PRMA 2025) introduces a modern, more adaptable framework for product compliance. For electrical manufacturers, importers and distributors, it raises the bar on documentation, speeds up enforcement, and sets the stage for future, faster regulatory updates.

Who it affects (manufacturers, importers, distributors)

Obligations apply across the electrical supply chain. Manufacturers must demonstrate conformity and maintain robust technical documentation; importers ensure third-country products meet UK requirements; distributors verify compliance basics and cooperate with authorities.

Scope and relationship to existing UK product safety law

The Act aligns with existing sector regulations, providing the mechanism to update and enforce them more effectively. Electrical products remain subject to applicable UK regulations (e.g. safety/EMC), with PRMA 2025 streamlining how requirements are updated and enforced.

Enhanced documentation & accountability

The Act places a strong emphasis on accountability and traceability. Manufacturers and importers should prepare for more rigorous requirements, including the need to:

• Maintain more detailed documentation proving product safety compliance, from design to production.

• Verify that products meet updated safety and technical requirements before they are placed on the market.

• Respond more quickly to regulatory enquiries and investigations by having all compliance documentation readily available and up-to-date.

Stronger enforcement powers

Similar to current regimes, authorities will have enhanced powers that directly impact manufacturers and importers. The Act strengthens the ability of enforcement bodies to:

• Search and inspect premises to ensure compliance.

• Seize and retain products suspected of being non-compliant.

• Prohibit the marketing of products and require product recalls or market withdrawals if they pose a risk.

These enhanced powers underscore the importance of getting compliance right from the start to avoid costly and damaging enforcement actions.

Framework for Future Changes

Crucially, the Act is more of an "enabler" than a set of immediate, specific rules. It provides a legal framework that allows for future regulatory changes. This means manufacturers should expect:

• Future regulatory changes that could impose new requirements, including those related to emerging technologies and modern safety issues.

• Potential alignment with evolving international standards, which may require manufacturers to adapt their testing and compliance procedures.

Even when a product falls outside the scope of the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) – which applies to products with a voltage between 50 and 1000 V AC or 75 and 1500 V DC – it's still crucial to ensure its safety. Many products, like those powered by rechargeable batteries, operate at voltages below the LVD's limits, yet still present serious hazards. These can include Mechanical Hazards, thermal hazards (such as touch temperatures, fires, and explosions), and chemical hazards from leaking batteries. The General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) is the primary regulation for these items, requiring manufacturers to ensure their products are safe for consumers and to provide clear warnings and instructions for safe use.

Our comprehensive testing services cover a wide range of products, including those that operate at low voltages, helping you to identify and mitigate these risks before your product enters the market.

How Kiwa Electrical Compliance can help

As an electrical product manufacturer, it's more important than ever to ensure your products not only meet current standards but are also prepared for the changes that this new legislation will bring. While the act provides the framework, the detailed regulations will be introduced over time. Staying ahead of these changes is key to avoiding costly non-compliance issues.

Our expert testing services are designed to help you navigate this new regulatory environment. We offer comprehensive electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing to ensure your products are fully compliant with all existing and future UK legislation.

By partnering with us, you can:

· Ensure Compliance: Get peace of mind knowing your products meet all legal requirements under the new act.

· Mitigate Risk: Proactively identify and address potential safety and EMC issues before they become a problem.

· Access Expertise: Benefit from our deep understanding of product compliance and our ability to interpret complex legislation.

Don't wait for new regulations to take effect. Contact us today to schedule your product testing and ensure your business is ready for the future.

Does PRMA 2025 replace existing electrical safety rules?

No. It modernises how product rules are updated and enforced. Electrical products still need to meet the applicable UK safety/EMC regulations and standards.

When do I need to make changes?

Begin strengthening documentation, testing plans and response processes now so you’re ready as updates roll out.

Who is responsible for what?

Manufacturers ensure conformity and documentation; importers verify third-country products; distributors check basics and cooperate with authorities.

What documentation is essential?

A complete technical file (risk assessment, standards rationale, test reports, labelling, traceability, change control) and a process for rapid retrieval.

How can testing help beyond launch?

Periodic or change-triggered testing supports surveillance, quality and swift responses to enquiries or field issues.