Businesses will be given an additional 2 years to apply new product safety marking, giving thousands of businesses the freedom to focus on growth, Business Secretary Grant Shapps has announced today (Monday 14 November).

Government to continue to recognise the CE product marking in Great Britain for a further 2 years, allowing business to use either UKCA or CE markings. The move is designed to cut costs for businesses and remove potential disruption. At the same time future product marking plans will be reviewed to minimise costs and burdens for business in the longer term.

The UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking has been introduced as part of the UK’s own robust regulatory framework. It shows that products comply with our product safety regulations which are designed to protect consumers. However, given the difficult economic conditions created by post-pandemic shifts in demand and supply, alongside Putin’s war in Ukraine and the associated high energy prices, the government does not want to burden business with the requirement to meet the original (31 December 2022) deadline.

The government will therefore continue to recognise the CE marking for a further 2 years which will allow businesses until 31 December 2024 to prepare for the UKCA marking. Of course businesses can also use the UKCA marking at anytime, giving flexibility to choose which marking to apply.

In order to extend the deadline, the government laid secondary legislation before Parliament on November 14th 2022 which, subject to parliamentary approval, will implement these measures.

This has come as welcome news across the UK manufacturing industry as a whole.

Business Secretary Grant Shapps said:
 

"The government is determined to remove barriers to businesses so they can get on with their top priorities, like providing quality customer service, enabling growth and supporting their staff.

This move will give businesses the breathing space and flexibility they need at this crucial time and ensure that our future system for product safety marking is fit for purpose, providing the highest standard for consumers without harming businesses."
To support manufacturers, the government is also reviewing the wider product safety framework, ensuring we minimise the burdens on business while keeping our system up to date with new innovative methods such as e-labelling.

In addition to this the government will make it easier than ever for businesses to apply product markings. This overall package will give thousands of businesses, including electronics and lift manufacturers, additional time to focus on delivering growth and creating jobs, while giving them flexibility in how they meet their legal obligations.

There will be different rules for medical devices, construction products, cableways, transportable pressure equipment, unmanned aircraft systems, rail products, and marine equipment. Government departments responsible for these sectors are making sector specific arrangements.

Link to full announcement > 

The rules for construction products were updated by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 9th December 2022 and states that UKCA or CE or CE & UK(NI) marking will continue to be accepted in respect of Construction product being supplied to the GB market until 30 June 2025. UKCA will be the only acceptable mark after this date.

Link to DLUHC Construction Products Regulation in Great Britain >