Hot Spot - UKCA Mark Scheme Deadline Delayed until 1-1-2023

What is it?
The UK Government has informed the BVAA that the final deadline for implementation of the UKCA mark scheme has been delayed by one year until 1-1-2023. Below is the text of the announcement:

The government has announced plans to introduce legislation which will enable CE marked goods to continue being placed on the Great British market until 1 January 2023.

‘We have been working hard to support industry make the transition to the new UKCA regime and we are really grateful for all you’ve done so far and your engagement with us on this.

However, we are aware that the pandemic continues to impact businesses, and this has made adapting to the new regime more challenging. As a result, we have decided to provide an additional year for businesses to adapt to UKCA requirements.

This means that all product sectors now have until 1 January 2023 to get ready to use the UKCA marking, with the exception of medical devices. This is the final deadline and there will be no further extension. More information can be found here: Using the UKCA marking - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

We are fully committed to supporting industry adapt to the UKCA regime. Over the next 16 months, government will continue to engage actively with industry and support their preparations for the new requirements.

We are hosting our next webinar aimed at businesses on Thursday 2 September (tomorrow) at 14:00. This is intended to help businesses understand changes and the actions they need to take.’

You can register for the event using this link BEIS Webinar: The UKCA mark: the new domestic regime. Tickets, Thu 2 Sep 2021 at 14:00 | Eventbrite

The government guidance on UKCA marking has also been updated to reflect the new dates Using the UKCA marking - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk), Placing manufactured goods on the market in Great Britain - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Previously issued BVAA Guidelines will be updated during the next few days, following the UK Government online briefing sessions, to ensure that all details have been fully covered.

Why is it Important?
The revised 1-1-2023 date now gives an extra year for members to prepare for the UKCA deadline. This typically involves ensuring that where necessary they have a UK Approved Body in place who has approved their products and systems to ensure that their technical documentation, manufacturing and material supply chain is compliant with the UKCA mark requirements.

It should be noted that whilst the UKCA mark is now not compulsory until 1-1-2023, the regulations concerning the role of importers placing products on the market in Great Britain have not been changed. From the beginning of 2021 it has been required that an organisation first placing CE marked pressure equipment manufactured overseas on the market in GB shall meet the obligations of an importer. This includes supplying their contact details with the product and holding copies of the CE compliant certificate of conformity and technical documentation available for inspection by the GB market surveillance authorities.

Continuous Improvement

Did we miss anything?
Hot Spots are intended to alert members and provide a brief overview of new standards, activities or procedures that are being introduced in the industry. If there is key information missing that would be helpful, please let us know so that we can improve our future service

Please note: this Hotspot is for information purposes only. We invite comments from BVAA members only. Please also note that at time of publication ballots may be closed. For more information please contact the Secretariat.

Published: 24th August 2021