What is the BSI Kitemark?

The BS EN 124:2015 standard for manhole covers and gully grates does not currently incorporate a requirement for UKCA (CE) marking. In the absence of a requirement for UKCA or CE marking, which would require independent product testing, CEN TC1 65/WG4 and BSI's B505/4 technical committees both stress that products which conform to the BS EN 124:2015 standard should be assessed by an independent certification body, to provide assured conformance.

BSI’s Kitemark third-party certification mark is also important as it indicates that the product has been independently verified as conforming to a particular standard. However, it is important to note that a particular standard may also stipulate mandatory markings. In Wrekin’s case, the standard is BS EN 124 and it requires the following minimum markings to be present on a product:

• Number of this European Standard EN 124-2
• Appropriate class (e.g. D 400)
• Name and/or identification mark of the manufacturer
• Factory of manufacture which may be in code
• Date or week and year of manufacture (coded or not coded)
• For covers factory filled with concrete marking relating to the freeze/thaw resistance (+R), if applicable (see EN 124-4:2015)

Wrekin led the field in this, by being the first company in the world to achieve the BSI Kitemark for BS EN 124-2:2015 for its entire ductile iron access cover & grating range. Further, Wrekin has long been a technical leader in the field of highway ironwork and was heavily involved in helping to define the revised requirements of BS EN 124-2:2015 and the BSI Kitemark scheme for it.

In addition to the above BS EN 124 marking requirements?

BSI stipulate a number of guidelines which must be followed when displaying their Kitemark on a product. This is to provide end customers, or those inspecting the product with proof that the product in question does conform. These rules include:

• The BSI Kitemark logo must be displayed with the licence number and product standard displayed ideally, underneath but, otherwise, closely located together to indicate their association and to also disassociate them from other standard’s markings on the same product.
• The BSI Kitemark licence number and logo should be displayed in the same colour.
• The BSI Kitemark logo and licence text must be of a size that is fully legible (minimum size 5pt).

We believe the BSI Kitemark represents more than just compliance, it represents accountability. When the Kitemark holder is based in the market where products are designed, specified, supplied and installed, that accountability is visible and active.

For Wrekin, holding the Kitemark ourselves means we take full responsibility for design integrity, testing, and ongoing conformity. Our engineers work directly with customers, specifiers and contractors, ensuring every feature and performance improvement is shaped by real-world challenges faced on UK networks. This proximity allows us to respond quickly, innovate with purpose, and maintain complete control over product quality.

When certification sits overseas with a foundry, visibility and influence over these critical stages are lost. When it sits with a UK-based designer like Wrekin, you have the confidence of:

• Quality you can see – Products designed, tested and approved in line with UK conditions and standards.
• Features that matter – Innovations built around customer feedback and the installation realities of our local market.
• Assurance through accountability – The same name on the cover is the name on the Kitemark certificate.
• Reliability through control – Direct oversight of production, testing and continuous improvement.
• True conformity – Independent verification backed by hands-on engineering insight.

The closer the Kitemark holder is to the market, the stronger the link between design intent and product performance. That’s why being a UK-based Kitemark holder isn’t just a technical detail, it’s a promise of quality, consistency and trust you can build into every project.

BSI issued certificates can be verified on the BSI website.

It's worth noting that while many products may display the BSI Kitemark, Kitemark licenses can expire or be revoked if the product no longer meets, or if manufacturing processes do not adhere to, the required standards. That’s why it’s always best practice to verify a product's certification status via the BSI's online directory, ensuring it remains current and valid.

Verify a certificate

When you’re specifying ironwork, it’s vital to understand exactly who holds responsibility for the products you’re approving. Asking the right questions ensures transparency, accountability and long-term performance. Here are some key questions every specifier should ask a supplier before approving a product:

Who holds the BSI Kitemark?

Is it held by the brand whose name appears on the product, or by an overseas foundry? We believe quality products, designed with longevity in mind, the Kitemark holder should be the company responsible for the product’s design, testing and compliance, not just its distribution.

Where is the Kitemark holder based?

Are they active in the market where the products are designed, specified, supplied and installed? A local, visible Kitemark holder can provide technical support, site insight and immediate accountability.

Who designs and tests the product?

Can the supplier demonstrate direct control over product design, testing and continuous improvement? Independent verification is essential, but so is ongoing development driven by customer feedback and real-world performance.

Can you show me the current Kitemark certificate?

Every Kitemark product must have a valid, traceable certificate linked directly to the holder. Check that it lists the specific product range, load class and standard (e.g. BS EN 124).

How do you ensure ongoing conformity?

Ask how often testing and audits are carried out, and who oversees them. Kitemarks are subject to frequent, independent auditing by BSI. If a manufacturer makes claims that competitors do not conform, ask for hard evidence. BSI maintains detailed audit records and performance data, if such claims can’t be backed up with facts, they should be treated with caution. Equally, non-conformance should be reported to BSI. Reputable manufacturers respect the integrity of the certification process. Calling BSI’s independent audits into question may suggest that those making such claims are not acting transparently themselves.

Asking these questions gives you clarity on who is truly responsible for the ironwork you specify. We welcome these conversations, because our name on the product is the name on the certificate. That’s what assurance should look like.