Can You Afford Non-Compliant Filling and Capping Machinery?
When buying filling and capping machines, price isn’t the only factor.
Non-compliant equipment can create hidden costs: legal liability, production downtime, recalls, and operator safety risks.
At Universal Filling Machine Company, we design and build machines that are fully compliant, robust, and backed by decades of experience — so you can focus on production, not problems.
CE (EU) or UKCA (UK) marking is mandatory for machinery sold or used in the UK or EU. Many other countries also benchmark these standards for safety. But a sticker alone doesn’t guarantee compliance — what matters is the safety design, materials, and verifiable documentation behind it.
The Hidden Costs of Non-Compliance
Non-compliant machines may seem functional, but they carry real risks:
- Product quality issues: Inaccurate filling or inconsistent capping can lead to recalls.
- Safety hazards: Poorly designed machines increase accident risk.
- Unreliable performance: Frequent breakdowns and expensive repairs disrupt production.
- Legal exposure: Fines, liability claims, and regulatory inspections can hit your bottom line.
For flammable or explosive liquids, ATEX compliance is mandatory.
Even non-flammable applications must meet CE/UKCA safety standards.
Universal machines avoid these risks: designed to meet all relevant safety standards, fully documented, and built for reliable operation over decades.
Non-compliant machines may seem functional, but they carry real risks:
- Product quality issues: Inaccurate filling or inconsistent capping can lead to recalls.
- Safety hazards: Poorly designed machines increase accident risk.
- Unreliable performance: Frequent breakdowns and expensive repairs disrupt production.
- Legal exposure: Fines, liability claims, and regulatory inspections can hit your bottom line.
For flammable or explosive liquids, ATEX compliance is mandatory.
Even non-flammable applications must meet CE/UKCA safety standards.
Universal machines avoid these risks: designed to meet all relevant safety standards, fully documented, and built for reliable operation over decades.
Understanding CE and UKCA Markings
CE (EU) and UKCA (UK) markings indicate that the manufacturer asserts the machinery meets essential health, safety, and environmental requirements.
These markings are a visible declaration, but their validity depends on verifiable supporting documentation rather than the sticker alone.
A CE/UKCA label must include the manufacturer’s name, address, year of manufacture, and model/serial number. Proper compliance also requires documentation such as a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and operator instructions in the end user’s language.
Key questions to ask suppliers:
- Who is named as the “responsible person” on the DoC?
- Does the machine have a UK address on its nameplate?
- Can the supplier provide technical files and risk assessments?
- Is there evidence of compliance beyond a certificate from abroad?
While this article focuses on CE and UKCA marking, broader compliance obligations also apply.
Spotting Non-Compliant Machinery
Look beyond the sticker to protect your business:
Safety and guarding:
- Unguarded moving parts or unsafe electrical enclosures
- Missing interlocking doors or poorly located emergency stops
Materials and build:
- Liquid-contact parts should be made from suitable materials materials must be traceable and certifiable.
- Avoid flimsy plastics, thin metals, or poor welds
Observe the machine in operation:
- Test with your liquids and containers to ensure accuracy, performance, and safety
Service and support:
- Verify local support and OEM replacement parts availability
- Check warranty coverage — Universal offers 1-year standard, extendable up to 5 years
Supplier reputation:
- Look for long-term experience and customer testimonials
- Universal has been in business since 1976, with machines still serviced from the 1980s
Avoid the false economy:
- Cheaper, non-compliant machines can cost far more in downtime, repairs, recalls, and legal exposure.
Universal machines may be an investment upfront, but they pay off through safety, reliability, and peace of mind.
What to Expect from a Trustworthy Supplier
When you invest in filling machinery, you need more than a sticker — you need assurance:
Certified design:
Each machine is engineered and built to meet CE/UKCA requirements using approved materials and safe designs.
Verifiable documentation:
Technical files, risk assessments, and a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) are available for every model.
Traceable labelling:
Name, address, model/serial number, and year of manufacture are clearly marked.
Operator guidance:
Installation, operation, and maintenance instructions are provided in your language.
Third-party verification:
Available when critical safety components are involved.
After-sales support:
Local service, genuine OEM parts, and long-term assistance ensure reliability.
UK-built quality:
As a proud Made in Britain manufacturer, our machines are built under strict quality and compliance standards.
Buyer vigilance:
Verify claims and supporting documentation — cheap, non-compliant equipment can carry hidden costs.
Universal machines are built to last, operate safely, and comply fully with regulations
— no shortcuts, no compromises.
Choose Safe, Compliant Machinery
Investing in compliant machinery is not just a legal requirement
— it’s a business safeguard.
By choosing Universal Filling Machine Company, you gain decades of experience,
reliable local support, and machines designed for safe, consistent, and efficient operation.
Contact Us for Expert Guidance