The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has confirmed that the use of CE marking for businesses will be extended indefinitely
CE marking is a label that must be put on specific products sold in the European Economic Area (EAA). It shows that these products meet strict safety, health, and environmental standards.
The extension of the CE marking policy will have a direct effect on 18 regulations owned by the DBT.
The government argue that CE marking will help British business
The DBT is aiming to grow the economy by reducing red tape and introducing smarter regulations to make life easier for British businesses. British companies will carry on using CE marking alongside UKCA.
The UKCA policy was due to start in December 2024. Extending CE marking will help businesses by removing doubts about regulations and reducing unnecessary expenses in the meantime.
“The government is tackling red tape, cutting burdens for business, and creating certainty for firms – we have listened to the industry, and we are taking action to deliver,” said Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake.
“By extending CE marking use across the UK, firms can focus their time and money on creating jobs and growing the economy,” he added.
The policy has failed to recognise the construction industry, says CPA
However, the recent announcement has been criticised by some corners of UK industry.
The Construction Products Association (CPA) has criticised the fact that the government’s indefinite extension of CE marking for businesses does not apply to the construction products sector.
The construction sector will continue to use CE marking until June 30, 2025, when the UKCA marking scheme becomes mandatory.
The CPA is concerned that policymakers have not considered the construction sector’s challenges and is urging further discussions to eliminate any negative impacts.
“We fear that policymakers 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,” argued Peter L. Caplehorn, chief executive of the CPA.
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,” he continued.
