This comes as part of a wider package of regulations designed to ease business burdens and help grow the economy by cutting barriers and red tape. British firms will be able to continue the use of CE marking alongside UKCA.
Business minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “The Government is tackling red tape, cutting burdens for business, and creating certainty for firms – we have listened to industry, and we are taking action to deliver.
“By extending CE marking use across the UK, firms can focus their time and money on creating jobs and growing the economy.”
Tina McKenzie, policy chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “It’s welcome to see the continued recognition of CE marked products. This will allow time for small firms to adjust to the UKCA marking system and focus on growing their business both at home and overseas.”
Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation said: “This is a pragmatic and common sense decision that manufacturers will very much welcome and support. This announcement will help safeguard the competitiveness of manufacturers and aid the UK as a destination for investment.
“It should bring more confidence about doing business in the UK and recognises the need to work with the reality of doing business. Make UK has worked extensively with UK Government pushing hard for this decision and we are pleased the ongoing engagement has delivered this positive outcome.”
In response, Basa (British Adhesives and Sealants Association) pointed out that the UKCA marking for construction products is managed by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), which still intends to cease recognition CE marking in June 2025, which is confusing.
Basa's view is that DLUHC are likely to eventually concede that UKCA marking of construction products is unnecessary for products that are not safety critical.
The association emphasised that the announcement only refers to CE/UKCA marking of products covered under the Department of Trade and the announcement does not yet include construction products.
The page for Construction products guidance continues to confirm that the DLUHC intention is to end recognition of the CE mark in GB on 30 June 2025.
