The UK Government has extended the period it will recognise European CE product marking in Great Britain for two more years. This extension will allow businesses to use UKCA or CE safety markings until 31 December 2024.

UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking was introduced as part of the UK’s post-Brexit regulatory framework to ensure that products comply with safety regulations designed to protect consumers. Recognition of CE marking was due to end at the end of 2022.

This news will be of particular interest to online marketplace sellers manufacturing, sourcing, and importing goods, including toys and electrical equipment, from overseas markets for sale in the UK and on the European markets (including eBay and Amazon). A complete list of products requiring UKCA or CE safety markings is available here.

UKCA or CE Product Marking – Flexibility to Choose (For Now)

According to a statement released by Business Secretary Grant Shapps, the decision to extend the recognition of CE product marketing was based on several factors. These factors include 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.

Speaking about the extension, Shapps said, “Businesses will be given an additional two years to apply new product safety marking, giving thousands of businesses the freedom to focus on growth.

“This move will give businesses the breathing space and flexibility they need at this crucial time and ensure that our future system for product safety marking is fit for purpose, providing the highest standard for consumers without harming businesses.”

While the extension will be welcomed by many businesses struggling to adapt to new regulations, business commentators have also highlighted while current UK standards are still retained from EU law, obtaining the new certification is simply an expensive bureaucratic exercise which duplicates current regulations.

Selling in Northern Ireland and the European Union

While UK sellers placing products in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) will now be required to display UKCA product marking on their products from 31 December 2024, there are different rules in Northern Ireland where the UKCA mark is not currently recognised. You can find more details on placing products in the Northern Irish market here.

The UKCA product mark will also not be recognised in the European Union; therefore, any products sold in Europe will still have to display a CE product mark.