Reprieve for manufacturers as government extends UKCA mark deadline

The government has given a reprieve to construction businesses struggling to transition their products to the new UKCA mark from the EU’s CE mark. They will now have an extra year to start using the new product safety marking, with the deadline to demonstrate compliance with the regulations extended until 1 January 2023.

Industry organisations including the Manufacturers Association of Radiators and Convectors (MARC) and Actuate UK had warned that the industry could come to a standstill if the deadline was not extended beyond January 2021 because of the lack of UKCA-approved bodies and available capacity in current certification bodies, as well as product-testing facilities (Registered Gas Engineer, July).

The government says the announcement its engagement with business groups and reflects the issues that businesses raised, particularly given the impact of the pandemic. It says it will continue to engage with manufacturers to ensure they understand what they need to do to get ready, including through a new series of webinars.

Businesses have been able to use the UKCA mark since 1 January 2021 to demonstrate their conformity with product standards in England, Scotland and Wales. The new UKCA rules do not apply to Northern Ireland, where the CE mark will continue.