Government announces it is dropping the compulsory use of new UK product certification
CE marking is a type of certification that indicates a product has been assessed by the manufacturer to meet EU safety, health and environmental protection requirements.
Since the UK left the EU, the government introduced UKCA marking to law to replace CE marking, and had planned to cease recognition of CE marking in December 2024.
The UK government has now confirmed an extension to the use of CE marking indefinitely beyond the 2024 deadline. This comes as part of their drive for smarter regulation, designed to ease business burdens so firms can focus on innovation and growth rather than bureaucracy.
The extension will mean businesses can always choose between using the UKCA or CE markings when selling products in Great Britain. This has been strongly welcomed across business groups as a move that will cut costs and remove duplication of administration.
Business Minister, Kevin Hollinrake, said the government listened to calls from industry that diverging from the EU on this would create a lot of unnecessary hassle for manufacturers. We feel this is an example of where, while the UK does now have the opportunity to pursue its own priorities post-Brexit, doing so for the sake of doing so is not always the right or easiest decision for business.
With the trading relationship with the EU being a continuing priority for IoD members, it is certainly positive to see government working closely with business on issues like these.
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