UK's CE Marking Extension - UK’s Latest Move for Product Compliance

In a recent development Dated May 2024, the UK government has announced an extension of recognition for CE marking, allowing businesses the flexibility to choose between CE marking and UKCA marking for products sold in Great Britain (GB). This decision has significant implications for businesses, especially in light of the UK's exit from the European Union (EU). Lets learn about the specifics of this announcement, the regulations affected, and what it means for manufacturers and distributors operating in the UK market.

Key Points of the extension of recognition for CE marking

Scope of Regulations: The legislation continues recognition of current EU requirements, including the CE and reversed epsilon markings, for 21 product regulations. This includes regulations owned by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and three additional regulations covering ecodesign, civil explosives, and, in most circumstances, restriction of hazardous substances (in electrical equipment).

Exclusions: The legislation does not apply to regulations for medical devices, construction products, marine equipment, rail products, cableways, transportable pressure equipment, and unmanned aircraft systems regulations, which have specific arrangements in place.

Affected Regulations: The DBT regulations in scope of this announcement include those governing equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, lifts, electrical equipment safety, pressure equipment safety, and more. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) regulations affected include the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012 (RoHS Regulations).

Regulations Covered under Department for Business and Trade (DBT):

The extension of recognition applies to 21 product regulations, including those owned by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and additional regulations covering ecodesign, civil explosives, and restriction of hazardous substances (in most circumstances).

Some of the key DBT regulations covered include:

• Equipment for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations
• Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations
• Lifts Regulations
• Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations
• Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations
• Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations
• Recreational Craft Regulations
• Radio Equipment Regulations
• Simple Pressure Vessels (Safety) Regulations
• Toys (Safety) Regulations
• Aerosol Dispensers Regulations
• Gas Appliances (EU Regulation)
• Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations
• Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations
• Personal Protective Equipment (EU Regulation)
• Measuring Instruments Regulations
• Non-automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations
• Measuring Container Bottles (EEC Requirements) Regulations

Steps to Ensure CE Marking Compliance Requirement

1. Identify Applicable Legislation: Determine the EU legislation and harmonized standards applicable to your product.
2. Check Product-Specific Requirements: Ensure your product meets the essential requirements of the relevant EU legislation.
3. Conformity Assessment: Determine whether to use CE marking or UKCA marking for their products sold in GB.
4. Test and Check Conformity: Test the product and check its conformity to the EU legislation.
5. Technical Documentation: Draw up and keep available the required technical documentation.
6. CE Marking: Place the CE marking on your product and issue the EU Declaration of Conformity.

How Acquis Compliance Can Help with RoHS Compliance

At Acquis Compliance, we are committed to guiding your organization through the complexities of RoHS compliance while fostering innovation and sustainability.

Here’s how we can assist you:

Automate Compliance Processes:*

• Streamline data management and documentation to efficiently identify and track restricted substances.
• Simplify supplier engagement and reporting processes to ensure timely and accurate compliance management.

Monitor and Assess Supply Chain:

• Implement robust tools to ensure your supply chain adheres to RoHS requirements.

Develop Tailored Strategies:

• Craft and implement a RoHS compliance strategy that meets the specific needs of your industry and products.

Stay Updated with Regulations:

• Proactively manage ongoing compliance by staying informed about regulatory changes.

Enhance Control and Visibility:

• Automate supplier communication and data exchange to streamline substance declarations.
• Leverage real-time analytics and reporting for enhanced visibility and control.
• Centralize auditable documentation for efficient compliance management and collaboration.

Expert Consulting and Training:

• Utilize our consulting and training services to deepen your understanding of RoHS regulations and sustainable practices.

Reach out to our compliance experts to automate your RoHS compliance process