Why UKCA Marking Matters in Steel Fabrication

Joe Holdsworth • September 12, 2025

Understanding Compliance in Steel Fabrication

When choosing a steel fabrication partner, one of the most important factors to consider is compliance. In the UK, UKCA Marking is the recognised standard that ensures fabricated steel meets strict safety, quality and performance requirements. At MAK Structures, we provide UKCA Marked fabrication up to Execution Class 3, giving our clients complete peace of mind on every project.

What is UKCA Marking?

UKCA stands for UK Conformity Assessed. It is the certification mark that replaced CE Marking in Great Britain after the UK left the European Union. For steel fabrication, it proves that the materials, processes and finished structures meet national regulations and industry standards.


Put simply, UKCA Marking shows that the steel you use is legally compliant and built to perform.

What is an Execution Class?

When fabricating structural steel, different projects have different levels of risk and complexity. Execution Classes, often shortened to EXC, are used to define these levels.

  • Execution Class 1 covers simple structures with minimal risk such as small agricultural buildings.
  • Execution Class 2 is common for residential and standard commercial buildings.
  • Execution Class 3 is required for more demanding projects such as public buildings, bridges and schools.


At MAK Structures, we are certified to Execution Class 3, which covers a wide range of challenging and high importance projects.

Why is UKCA Marking Important?

1. Legal Compliance

Many construction projects in the UK require UKCA Marked steel by law. Without it, a project may not pass inspection or meet building control requirements.


2. Guaranteed Quality

UKCA certification ensures that every stage of the process, from material sourcing to cutting, welding and painting, is carried out to strict standards. This guarantees the strength and durability of the finished structure.


3. Safety First

By working with UKCA Marked steel, you can be confident that the structure will perform safely under the conditions it was designed for.


4. Competitive Advantage

Choosing a UKCA certified fabricator such as MAK Structures shows clients and project partners that you are committed to delivering quality and compliance. This can set you apart from competitors who are not certified to the same level.

UKCA Marking at MAK Structures

Our 20,000 square foot facility in Wakefield is fully equipped to deliver UKCA Marked steel fabrication up to Execution Class 3. Combined with our in house services such as shot blasting, cutting, drilling, welding and painting, we provide a complete service from start to finish.


By meeting these standards, we ensure our steel is safe, compliant and built to last, whether it is for a school extension, a commercial development or a large scale industrial project.

Final Thoughts

UKCA Marking is not just a box ticking exercise. It is an essential part of modern construction, ensuring that steel structures are strong, safe and fully compliant with UK regulations. By working with a fabricator certified to Execution Class 3, you can be confident that your project is in safe hands.


If you need a reliable partner for steel processing or structural steel fabrication, get in touch with MAK Structures today.

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