UK government makes partial u-turn on CE marking

Concerns raised over the UK’s CE mark decision, as it pertains to construction. Image: Adobe Stock

However, the indefinite extension does not apply to the construction products sector.

The Construction Products Association’s (CPA) chief executive Peter Caplehorn said, “The situation for our sector remains the same; that is, recognition of the CE mark for construction products in Great Britain will continue until 30 June 2025 when implementation of the UKCA marking scheme is set to become mandatory.”

The CE mark is employed on goods traded within the European Economic Area’s single market, ensuring that they comply with safety, health and environmental protection standards.

Following Brexit, the government made the decision to adopt the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) product marking system as a replacement for the European standard.

The UK-based Construction Equipment Association (CEA) noted that “This extension applies only to the regulations that fall under the responsibility of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT); they include electromagnetic compatibility, equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX), radio equipment, pressure equipment, machinery, noise emission by equipment for use outdoors, and low voltage electrical equipment.

Construction products are not included in the UK govenrment’s u-turn on the EU’s CE mark. Photo: MaxSafaniuk

Potentially damaging to UK construction

In his statement, Caplehorn said, “The CPA has long argued that every day that manufacturers have to wait for clarification from government causes more damage.

“This uncertainty has exacerbated product availability issues, led to UK and foreign manufacturers pulling products from the UK market, diminished investment and R&D, and therefore negatively impacted jobs and the ability of the product sector to support the UK construction industry every day.

“We hope that today’s announcement reflects a new appreciation by policy makers of the cost and burden caused by the CA Mark scheme. We will appreciate further discussions with the government to ensure the UK construction products sector sees similar clarity very soon.

“We fear,” he said, “that policy makers do not fully understand or appreciate the gravity of this policy position not only for our sector and the construction industry, but indeed for any government ambitions related to the UK’s housing, schools, hospitals, infrastructure and wider built environment.”