CE mark to stay in UK as alternative delayed indefinitely
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The Department for Business and Trade in the UK has announced an indefinite extension for the CE mark for UK businesses.
The CE mark indicates conformance with EU regulations of all kinds and was scheduled to be replaced by the UKCA mark at the end of 2024. There have been issues with test centre availability for electronics under UKCA, particularly for EMC testing, RF systems and medical approvals. This would bring additional costs, as the UKCA mark would not be recognised in Europe.
“As part of the government’s drive for smarter regulation, the extension will cut business costs and time required to place products on the market and benefit consumers,” said the UK government. “[This] follows extensive engagement with industry, delivering on a key ask from businesses to ease burdens and boost growth for the UK economy. Following extensive engagement with industry, British firms will be able to continue the use of CE marking alongside UKCA.”
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“This is a pragmatic and common sense decision that manufacturers will very much welcome and support. This announcement will help safeguard the competitiveness of manufacturers and aid the UK as a destination for investment,” said Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation. “It should bring more confidence about doing business in the UK and recognises the need to work with the reality of doing business. Make UK has worked extensively with UK Government pushing hard for this decision and we are pleased the ongoing engagement has delivered this positive outcome.
A cliff-edge was approaching in December 2024 when UKCA was set for entry. Companies can then chose to use either the UKCA or CE approach to sell products in Great Britain.
“It’s welcome to see the continued recognition of CE marked products. This will allow time for small firms to adjust to the UKCA marking system and focus on growing their business both at home and overseas,” said Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
“The Government is tackling red tape, cutting burdens for business, and creating certainty for firms – we have listened to industry, and we are taking action to deliver,” said Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake.
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