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As you may be aware the Business department has announced an indefinite CE mark recognition beyond the 2024 deadline. 

This means that goods placed on the market can use the CE mark alongside the UKCA mark indefinitely. 

We would like to know members' opinions on this, as we are aware that BRC members would have invested significant resources into UKCA marking. Other trade associations such as MAKE UK and the Federation of Small Businesses are supportive of the move.

Further information from government.

Announcement on continuing CE Recognition 

The continued recognition of UKCA and CE for some product sectors forms part of the wider Smarter Regulation programme of regulatory reform announcements, that began in May with publication of Smarter Regulation to Grow the Economy. Smarter regulation is about improving regulation across the board ensuring it is as clear as possible and only used where necessary and proportionate. 

We intend to introduce legislation to further extend recognition of the CE marking for Great Britain. This will continue to allow recognition of goods that meet EU requirements, using the EU conformity marking (including the CE marking) in England, Scotland and Wales.  

This will provide flexibility for businesses to use either the CE or UKCA marking. This approach will also provide longer-term certainty for businesses and a foundation for the UK to set our product regulations in the future. 

This CE recognition approach will apply to regulations that fall under the Department for Business and Trade. These are: 

  • toys
  • pyrotechnics
  • recreational craft and personal watercraft
  • electromagnetic compatibility
  • non-automatic weighing instruments
  • measuring instruments
  • measuring container bottles
  • lifts
  • equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres (UKEX)
  • radio equipment
  • pressure equipment
  • simple pressure vessels
  • personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • gas appliances
  • machinery
  • equipment for use outdoors
  • aerosols
  • low voltage electrical equipment

There are different rules for medical devices, construction products, cableways, transportable pressure equipment, unmanned aircraft systems, rail products, marine equipment and ecodesign. The relevant departments covering these regulations have communicated or will communicate plans in due course.  

The CE marking is already recognised in Northern Ireland. Businesses there will continue to enjoy unfettered access to the GB market and the EU single market. As such, the CE marking will be an acceptable method of demonstrating compliance for a wide range of goods on the UK market.