The announcement on August 1, 2023 about the unlimited recognition of the CE marking in the UK caused uproar and confusion. The announcement was published by the Department of Business and Trade (DBT) and initially only referred to the following 18 legal acts:
- Equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres Regulations 2016/1107
- Electromagnetic compatibility Regulations 2016/1091
- Lifts Regulations 2016/1093
- Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016/1101
- Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016/1105
- Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015/1553
- Recreational Craft Regulations 2017/737
- Radio Equipment Regulations 2017/1206
- Simple Pressure Vessels (Safety) Regulations 2016/1092
- Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011/1881
- Aerosol Dispensers Regulations 2009/ 2824
- Gas Appliances (EU Regulation) 2016/426
- Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008/1597
- Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001/1701
- Personal Protective Equipment (EU Regulation) 2016/425
- Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016/1153
- Non-automatic weighing instruments Regulations 2016/1152
- Measuring Container Bottles (EEC Requirements) Regulations 1977
According to the announcement of January 24, 2024, three further regulations from other departments will join the unlimited recognition:
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra):
- Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012 ('The RoHS Regulations')
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ):
- Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products Regulations 2010
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) [HSE]:
- Explosives Regulations 2014
This announcement also states that a UK Declaration of Conformity may list EU directives and regulations and that a combination of UKCA and CE conformity assessment procedures is permitted.
However, there is a restriction to the UK RoHS. Recognition "in most cases" is mentioned here.
A legal regulation is to be published in spring 2024, which will specify further details.
This announcement does not apply to
- Medical devices
- Construction products
- Marine equipment
- Rail products
- Ropeways
- Mobile pressure equipment
- Unmanned aerial systems
If you have specific questions about CE marking in the UK or other material compliance challenges, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Author
Linda Kritzler (B. A.)
Material & Environmental Compliance Consultant
