The government has announced plans to extend the use of current CE marks for a further two years. The Business secretary Grant Shapps stated that firms were to be given extra time to apply for the new product standards marking, which will replace the EU equivalent CE marking.
The extension will allow UK firms to use either UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) or CE markings for another two years instead of insisting on the new markings from January, following several appeals from construction industry leaders.
The government said the move will help businesses during a “difficult” economic climate.
BEIS said that, given the challenging economic conditions created by post-pandemic shifts in demand and supply, alongside the war in Ukraine and the associated high energy prices, the government does not want to burden businesses with the requirement to meet the latest deadline.
Earlier this month, industry leaders warned that the industry as a whole was not ready to implement the new quality mark. The leaders wrote to ministers calling for a two-year delay.
Signed by CPA chief executive Peter Caplehorn and CLC co-chair Mark Reynolds, the letter said: “Not all products are affected but many of the most important to construction are, such as glues and sealants, glass, insulation, radiators, and passive fire protection, to name a few, which are all necessary to deliver the new homes, schools, and hospitals the country needs.”
The UK government will continue to recognise the CE marking for an additional two years, therefore 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.
Commenting on the announcement, Stephen Phipson, chief executive of manufacturing trade body Make UK, said: “Industry will welcome this announcement, which recognises the simple fact that businesses in the UK and abroad are not ready for this change. If it had gone ahead as planned, then many overseas companies would have pulled the plug on supplying the UK market as a result.”
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.”
At Custom Labels we work with a number of product manufacturing companies that operate in the UK and have been creating updated product labels that contain the new UKCA marking and the European mark CE. With our UK facilities, we’re able to turn around most jobs within 3-5 working days which helps to clear the backlog of labelling updates the new marking will require.
Our facilities allow us to print in high-quality digital printed runs as well as hot foil plate labelling solutions. Both solutions provide durable long-lasting labels which will last the life of many products.
If you would like to have a quote for any of our products or want to know more about our products please feel free to speak to one of our sales team on 01278 433800 or email sales@customlabels.co.uk.
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