Assistant Editor , SHP

June 24, 2022

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product safety markings

Government to make it easier for businesses to apply new product safety markings

New product conformity markings for most products placed on the market in the UK will now be simpler to apply for, after recent changes made by the government.

CE-UKCA MarkingThe UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) mark is a ‘mandatory mark’ on certain products, to indicate that they conform to Great Britain legislation. Businesses have until 1 January 2023 to begin using this UKCA marking which replaces the CE and reverse epsilon markings used as part of the European Union.

In September, SHP reported that the current CE mark, used by the EU to affirm a manufacturer’s conformity with European health, safety and environmental protection standards, was to be replaced by UKCA marking following Brexit.

The new measures

As reported by the government, the marking allows the UK to have control over its goods regulations and maintain high product standards. These new measures include:

  • Reducing re-testing costs: Any conformity assessment activities undertaken by EU bodies before the end of 2022 will be considered as the basis for UKCA marking next year. Legislation on this will be brought forward before the end of the year and will enable manufacturers to apply the UKCA mark on these products without the need for re-testing.
  • Removing the need to re-test existing imported stock: This will allow CE marked products that are manufactured and imported into the UK by the end of 2022 to be sold, without the need to meet UKCA requirements. This will remove the current need for retesting and recertification for products that are imported whilst the UK recognised CE requirements.
  • Continuing to accept spare parts onto the GB market: The UK will continue to accept spares onto the GB market which comply with the same requirements that were in place at the time the original products or systems they were being used to repair, replace or maintain were placed on the market. This will help to address concerns about the availability of spare parts and ensure businesses and organisations avoid disruption to their operations.
  • Extending labelling measures: To make it cheaper and logistically easier for businesses to continue to supply goods to Great Britain, legislation will be brought forward to extend current labelling easements to allow important information and other UKCA markings to be added to products using a sticky label or an accompanying document.
  • Testing on construction products: Manufacturers of construction products under AVCP system 3 – such as radiators, sealants and tile adhesives – whose products are tested by an EU notified body before 1 January 2023 will be able to obtain a UKCA mark without having to retest through a UK-approved body.

For more information from the government on the new measures and which business sectors these apply to click here.

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