More time to apply UKCA marking
The British government announced recently that companies are to be given two additional years to start using the new product safety marking – the UKCA marking.
It was announced by the UK government on 14 November 2022 that businesses are to be granted two additional years to apply the new UKCA product safety marking for most products placed on the market in England, Scotland and Wales. The deadline was extended from originally 1 January 2022 to 1 January 2025 after having already been moved once to 1 January 2023. The legal basis of these changes is the draft legislation ‘Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2022’ to be approved by the Parliament and to enter into force on 31 December 2022. The extension of the transition period allows prolonged recognition of the CE product marking in Great Britain thus providing greater flexibility for businesses.
The extension was announced as the government recognized the impact of the currently difficult economic and political conditions on businesses and decided to grant them greater flexibility and decreased costs. Businesses consequently only need to slowly ease into action to ensure they are ready to apply UKCA marking until 31 December 2024, the final deadline. Nevertheless, the UKCA marking can be used already now and the British government encourages businesses to start using it as soon as possible.
Furthermore, with this measure the government extends for a second time the period in which the UKCA marking itself can be affixed using a label or accompanying document, rather than being placed directly on the product itself, until 31 December 2027 (originally 1 January 2023).
The British government continuously provides businesses and manufacturers with guidance, including their online portal which gives ample information on product safety rules and regulations for product classes: Guidance published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards.
The text of the draft legislation can be consulted HERE and the official statement by the British government HERE.
