UKCA mark has deadline pushed to late 2024

Monday, 5 December 2022 Mark Sutton

The UK Government has given an update on the requirement for the new UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark, pushing back the deadline for compliance until the end of 2024.

The post-Brexit marking requirement, which overlaps and is intended to replace the European CE marking on British sold goods, is claimed to be a measure to protect consumers further in alignment with the UK’s own “robust regulatory framework”.

Experts in the matter of safety standards have however suggested that “in most cases they can use the same standards, risk assessments, test data, and technical files so the only thing which changes is the logo on the product and the words on the Declaration of Conformity.”

Nonetheless, the Government is giving more time for businesses in England, Scotland and Wales importing goods to conform to its regulations. The UKCA marking cannot be used for products placed on the Northern Irish market.

A statement published explains why additional time has been granted, offering:

“Given the difficult economic conditions created by post-pandemic shifts in demand and supply, alongside Putin’s war in Ukraine and the associated high energy prices, the government does not want to burden business with the requirement to meet the original deadline.

“The government will continue to recognise the CE marking for two years, therefore allowing businesses until 31 December 2024 to prepare for the UKCA marking. Businesses can also use the UKCA marking, giving them flexibility to choose which marking to apply.”

The marking was first introduced in January of 2021 with an original grace period set for the end of 2022. There is nothing stopping businesses using the mark already and there are numerous products already on the market featuring the badge.

For the latest guidance on applying the mark, head to the official Government page here.

Use of the mark applies in the following sectors: