UK Government avoids 2024 CE cliff hanger
August 1, 2023
UK Government’s indefinite extension of CE Mark recognition to boost business growth and foster EU/UK trade relations.
In a move aimed at streamlining regulations and supporting UK businesses, the Department for Business and Trade has announced an indefinite extension of the use of CE marking for British firms. The extension will allow UK businesses to continue using CE marking alongside the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) label. It follows extensive consultations with industry representatives, addressing their concerns and requests for easing burdens and promoting growth in the UK economy.
The urgency behind the decision was to avert a potential cliff-edge moment scheduled for December 2024 when the UKCA was set to take effect. The indefinite extension, businesses will no longer face uncertainty over regulations, enabling them to focus on innovation and expansion rather than grappling with unnecessary costs.
Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake expressed the government’s commitment to reducing red tape and creating a favourable environment for businesses, stating, “By extending CE marking use across the UK, firms can focus their time and money on creating jobs and growing the economy.”
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) welcomed the government’s move, emphasizing that the continued recognition of CE marked products would give small firms time to adjust to the UKCA marking system and concentrate on expanding their business both domestically and internationally.
Manufacturers also showed strong support for the decision. Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers’ organization, hailed it as a pragmatic and common-sense approach that would help maintain the competitiveness of manufacturers and attract investments to the UK. Phipson highlighted the decision’s potential to instil confidence among businesses operating in the UK and acknowledged the positive outcome resulting from the extensive engagement between Make UK and the UK Government.
The extension will provide businesses with the flexibility to choose between the UKCA or CE approach when selling products in Great Britain, easing cross-border movements and fostering trade relationships between the UK and the European Union.
Categories : World Focus
Tags : Business CE Economy FSB Products & Technology UK UKCA
