BCC: UNCERTAINTY REMAINS ON FUTURE OF STANDARDS MARKING SYSTEM

The BCC has welcomed the announcement of four new easements on conformity assessment markings. 

Responding to the planned policy changes, Head of Trade Policy, William Bain, said: 

“It’s good news that the UK Government has listened to business in providing these new easements to support cashflow and costs in these difficult economic times. There will be relief on the pragmatic solution reached on spare parts and repairs.  

“Usage of EU certificates will cut duplicate testing costs, which firms could have faced early next year to place goods on the market in Great Britain. Those companies, which have the resources to do so, will also have the flexibility of importing CE-marked goods before the end of the year and placing these on the market in Great Britain without subsequent relabelling. 

“After the end of 2022 however, firms will face significant new cost pressures from the introduction of the new markings system.    

“Uncertainties also still exist in terms of what will happen to markings in Northern Ireland. The current arrangements also suggest that CE-only marked goods, brought over from Northern Ireland, could continue to be placed on the market in Great Britain, whereas those from the rest of the world could not, beyond the end of 2025.  

“There is some way to go before businesses will have complete assurance about the operation of the new markings systems.” 

Today’s written ministerial statement on the markings of industrial, construction, electrical and electronics will be subject to secondary legislation and updated guidance by the UK Government. 

The four measures are to:   

1. Allow certificates issued by EU conformity assessment bodies before the end of 2022 to be used as the basis for subsequent UKCA marking certification.  

1. Permit existing imported goods (before January 2023) to be treated as being already placed on the GB market eliminating the need for relabelling of products.  

1. Clarify that imported spare parts which repair or replace goods already on the GB market meet the same requirements as the existing goods.  

Facilitate goods being able to have UKCA marking, and importer details added via a sticky label, or accompanying paperwork, until 31 December 2025.