The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has made a significant announcement today, indicating an indefinite extension of the use of CE marking for businesses
This extension will apply to 18 regulations owned by the DBT and is part of the government’s initiative for smarter regulation.
The main objective of this extension is to reduce business costs and the time required to bring products to the market, ultimately benefiting consumers. The decision follows extensive consultations and engagement with industry stakeholders, addressing a crucial request from businesses to ease their burdens and foster growth in the UK economy.
The DBT’s intention to continue the use of CE marking alongside UKCA (United Kingdom Conformity Assessed) comes as part of a broader effort to streamline regulations, removing unnecessary barriers and red tape for businesses. This proactive measure by the Business Secretary avoids a potential cliff-edge moment in December 2024 when the UKCA was initially set to come into effect.
By eliminating uncertainty surrounding regulations, this intervention will empower businesses to focus more on innovation and growth rather than being tied up in unnecessary costs and compliance concerns. Overall, this decision marks a positive step towards a more conducive business environment in the UK.
Business minister Kevin Hollinrake said:
“The government is tackling red tape, cutting burdens for business, and creating certainty for firms – we have listened to industry, and we are taking action to deliver.
By extending CE marking use across the UK, firms can focus their time and money on creating jobs and growing the economy.
Tina McKenzie, policy chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said:
“It’s welcome to see the continued recognition of CE marked products. This will allow time for small firms to adjust to the UKCA marking system and focus on growing their business both at home and overseas.”
Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation said:
“This is a pragmatic and common sense decision that manufacturers will very much welcome and support. This announcement will help safeguard the competitiveness of manufacturers and aid the UK as a destination for investment.
“It should bring more confidence about doing business in the UK and recognises the need to work with the reality of doing business. Make UK has worked extensively with UK Government pushing hard for this decision and we are pleased the ongoing engagement has delivered this positive outcome.”
The extension will provide businesses with flexibility and choice to use either the UKCA or CE approach to sell products in Great Britain.
The government intends to extend recognition of the CE marking for placing most goods on the market in Great Britain, indefinitely, beyond December 2024. These updates apply to the 18 regulations that fall under the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). These are:
toys
pyrotechnics
recreational craft and personal watercraft
simple pressure vessels
electromagnetic compatibility
non-automatic weighing instruments
measuring instruments
measuring container bottles
lifts
equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX)
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