UK businesses will be given an additional two years to apply new product safety markings to goods. The Government said that post-Brexit, it wanted to create a British alternative to the EU’s “CE” quality mark.
The delay means the scheme will now come into force at the start of 2025 after the Government said the move will cut costs for businesses and remove potential disruption.
Designed to protect customers
The UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking has been introduced as part of the UK’s own regulatory framework which shows products comply with UK product safety regulations to protect consumers.
But following pressure from industry bodies, the Government will continue to recognise the CE marking for two years, allowing businesses until 31 December 2024 to prepare for the UKCA marking.
Businesses can also use the UKCA marking, giving them the flexibility to choose which marking to apply.
Breathing space for business
Earlier this year, the British Chambers of Commerce urged the Government to recognise that the UKCA mark was neither necessary nor practical.
The scheme has already been delayed twice, first in August 2021, when the date changed to January 2023. Then in June, the Government announced it would delay some requirements of the scheme beyond the revised date.
Business Secretary, Grant Shapps, said: “This move will give businesses the breathing space and flexibility they need at this crucial time.”
Explaining the delay, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy pointed to the difficult economic conditions created by post-pandemic shifts in demand and supply, and the war in Ukraine and the associated increase in energy prices.
Separate rules
The Government says it is also reviewing the wider product safety framework, to minimise the burdens on business while keeping the UK system up to date with new innovative methods such as e-labelling.
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.
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