The 31st of December 2020 marks the last day of the UK’s transition period out of the European Union. This change brings into force a host of changes for individuals and businesses alike.
One of these changes is the introduction of the UKCA product mark to replace it’s EU counterpart, the CE marking. From the 1st of January 2021 the new UKCA mark will come into force.
Why changing?
The introduction of the UKCA marking at first is mostly superficial. It reflects the reality that from the 1st of January 2021 the regulations referred to by the CE marking are EU directives, and so the new UKCA marking just simply changes that reference to the applicable UK laws. This doesn’t mean that the UKCA marking and CE marking will always remain similar. As UK and EU laws potentially diverge, the requirements for conformity with both standards will diverge as well.
How is the change happening?
From the 1st of January 2021 the new UKCA mark will be applicable to products sold in the UK, however in most cases CE marked products will still be eligible for sale and use in the UK throughout and initial transition period lasting until the 31st of December 2021. This gives manufacturers time to make any changes necessary. There are a few exceptions to this, where relevant laws require third party conformity assessment, but the majority of manufacturers have plenty of time to accommodate the new UKCA marking. From the 1st of January 2022 the UKCA mark becomes obligatory for products sold in the UK and the CE marking will no longer be acceptable.
What are we doing about it?
We always work very closely with our supply chain, and this is no exception. Since the announcement of the new rules we have been working to assess the impact on our product range and engage with manufacturers to ensure continued supply of their products in the future with the new required conformity markings.
We’ve already worked hard to established that our whole product range remains compliant and ready for sale and use in the UK from January 2021, and we’re already working with key manufacturers to make sure this is still the case in January 2022.
We make sure that every product we sell is compliant with regulations, great quality and best value so that you don’t need to worry about it.
If you have any questions about the new UKCA marking, the transition from CE marking or what we’re doing about it, then just get in touch joseph.collier@sycous.com.
Key Dates:
1st of January 2021 – UKCA Marking introduced for products sold in the UK. CE marked products suitable for sale*
1st January 2022 – CE marked products no longer suitable for sale in the UK
1st January 2023 – UKCA marking must be affixed directly to the product.
*some exceptions for third party conformity assessed products.
