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Conformity Marking
Most, if not all of our members will be all too familiar with the uncertainty in regard to conformity marking since Brexit. The introduction of UKCA back in January 2021 with the limited timeline for acceptance of CE caused great concern to UK manufacturers of all construction products.
Discussions with Government started almost immediately with the GGF participating in fortnightly meetings through the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and Construction Products Association (CPA). The impact of the change impacted all sectors of the industry. All issues and barriers to trade both within the UK and our European neighbours were clearly laid out to Government.
Throughout these discussions the trade was promised a solution would be forthcoming. The solution offered at the eleventh hour was to push back the switch to June 2025. The industry responded that this only gave some breathing space but would not resolve many of the issues and discussions continued.
On Monday the 2nd of September, the Minister of Building Safety and Homelessness Rushanara Ali announced that it had been decided to extend the recognition of CE marking. A major factor in their decision had been the case presented by industry regarding the limited testing and certification facilities within the UK. Removing CE marking without fixing the current system could create trade barriers and disrupt the supply of essential products.
The Government also recognizes broader issues in the construction product regulation system and is committed to making improvements. The newly released final Grenfell Inquiry report will guide future reforms to ensure safer, better-quality homes. Extending the CE mark and deciding on its future use is part of a broader commitment to overhaul the entire product safety and compliance system.
To support these reforms, the Government will work with UK testing bodies, accreditation services, and the industry to strengthen the product assessment market.
The Government also acknowledges that industry needs certainty, so any future changes to CE marking will include a two-year transition period to help businesses adjust.
Whilst we are grateful for this moratorium, we will continue to work with Government to achieve a solution which achieves their objectives and ensures the minimum of disruption to our members.
