Extended recognition of the CE marking in the UK

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, UK Government, announced on 14 November 2022, that the Government will continue to recognise the CE marking for 2 years, therefore allowing businesses until 31 December 2024 to prepare for the UKCA marking. Businesses can also use the UKCA marking, giving them flexibility to choose which marking to apply.

To support manufacturers, the UK Government is also reviewing the wider product safety framework, supporting businesses and limiting the burdens while ensuring the system is up to date with new innovative methods such as e-labelling, and making it easier for businesses to apply product markings. This package will give more flexibility on how to meet the legal requirements for thousands of businesses including electronics and lift manufacturers. 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.

Additional background information

The UKCA marking covers most goods which previously required the CE marking, known as ‘new approach’ goods, in addition to aerosols that previously required the ‘reverse epsilon’ marking.

Under the terms of the Protocol, Northern Ireland will continue to recognise the CE marking for goods placed on the market in Northern Ireland. They will need to use the UKNI marking if they use a UK Conformity Assessment Body to test their products.

The government has published the UK Market Conformity Assessment Bodies database which businesses can use to identify the appropriate body to certify their products.

To find out which regulations apply to whatproduct, businesses can access the Product safety for businesses: A to Z of industry, guidance published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards.

Source: Businesses to be given UK product marking flexibility