On 14th November 2022, the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP announced, on behalf of BEIS, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, an anticipated extension to the timescale of the move to UKCA marking which was scheduled to come into place at the end of 2022.
The deadline has been pushed back and CE marking will now continue to be recognised until 31st December 2024 giving businesses an additional 2 years to prepare for the changover.
This will be welcome news indeed to many of the INCA System Holder and Associate members.
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 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 has decided that it does not want to burden business with the requirement to meet the original deadline of 31 December 2022 … just a few weeks away!
The government will therefore continue to recognise the CE marking for 2 years, hence allowing businesses until 31 December 2024 to prepare for the UKCA marking.
Of course, businesses which are already prepared can also use the UKCA marking, giving them flexibility to choose which marking to apply.
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.
Also of note: to support manufacturers, the government is also reviewing the wider product safety framework, ensuring they minimise the burdens on business while keeping system up to date with new innovative methods such as e-labelling.
As part of this, the government intend to make it easier than ever for businesses to apply product markings.
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.
INCA will, of course, keep you informed.