On 20 June 2022, the UK government announced a series of changes designed to simplify the application of the new conformity markings for most of the products placed on the market in England, Scotland and Wales.
The UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking is mandatory for a number of products, including luminaires, and its purpose is to prove their conformity with the British legislation in force. Businesses will have until 1 January 2023 to begin using the UKCA marking, which replaces the CE marking in the United Kingdom.
Four changes have essentially been introduced.
Reduction of the costs of the new tests for UKCA certification
Manufacturers can use the activities performed to assess the conformity of their products for the CE marking completed by 31 December 2022 as a basis for applying the UKCA marking. This will reduce the immediate costs to be borne by the manufacturers and it will be valid until the expiry of the certificate or for 5 years (31 December 2027), whichever occurs first. This will lead to a reduction in duplications and costs for the businesses and therefore, for the consumers.
There is no need to test existing stocks
Products with CE marking that have already been imported do not need to be re-tested, since they will be considered as having already entered the market. Businesses will therefore not need to relabel their current stocks.
Spare parts will still be admitted
Any products needed to repair, replace or maintain products already on the UK market will be required to meet the same requirements that were in force when the original product or system was placed on the British market. This will allow the ongoing maintenance of products and goods that require spare parts.
Simplified labelling and documentation
Businesses can continue placing the UKCA marking and including the importer details on products coming from countries of the EEA (European Economic Area), on transport documents or labels, until 31 December 2025. This will enable companies to adapt their products to the marking changes at the most convenient and economic time.
Domus Line has already implemented the marking procedure to all the products subject to this specific rule in conformity with the government provisions, including those just announced.
For more information please contact our conformity and certification department at compliance@domusline.com