UK government announces extension of CE mark recognition for businesses
02 August 2023
The UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has announced its intention to indefinitely extend the use of CE marking (including ATEX) for businesses. The post-Brexit climbdown means the UK will continue to recognise the European Union’s product safety symbol despite many manufacturers having already spent huge sums of money preparing their products for UKCA marking.
The DBT said the decision comes as part of a wider package of smarter regulations designed to ease business burdens and help grow the economy by cutting barriers and red tape. Following extensive engagement with industry, British firms will be able to continue the use of CE marking alongside UKCA, the department said.
However, many manufacturers have criticised the government’s handling of the situation, with last-minute policy changes over recent years resulting in unnecessary costs to businesses.
In a statement, the DBT defended its decision and said the Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch had acted urgently on this issue, to prevent a cliff-edge moment in December 2024 when UKCA was set for entry. This intervention will ensure businesses no longer face uncertainty over the regulations and can cut back on unnecessary costs freeing them up to focus on innovation and growth, it said.
The decision means that companies will now be able to choose whether they use the UKCA symbol or retain the ATEX mark by having their products certified by an accredited European body.
More information...