Businesses will be given an additional two years to apply new product safety marking business secretary Grant Shapps has announced.
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Concept of more time being allowed
The UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking has been introduced as part of the UK’s own regulatory framework.
Given the difficult economic conditions created by post-pandemic shifts in demand and supply, along with the high cost of energy, the government says it does not want to burden business with the requirement to meet the original 31 December 2022 deadline.
The government will continue to recognise the CE marking for two years, therefore allowing businesses until 31 December 2024 to prepare for the UKCA marking. Businesses can also use the UKCA marking, giving them flexibility to choose which marking to apply.
Business secretary Grant Shapps said: “The government is determined to remove barriers to businesses so they can get on with their top priorities, like providing quality customer service, enabling growth, and supporting their staff.
“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.”
Chris Whitehouse, chair of the Urology Trades Association which has been lobbying for this extension, who has written several columns for MedTech Innovation News, added: “This is a pragmatic and welcome decision to allow industry the time to comply with the new regulatory approach. It’s great that Ministers have listened to the representations that many in the medical devices sector have been making. My agency, Whitehouse Communications, is delighted to have helped bring about this welcome outcome.”
In a bid to support manufacturers, the government is reviewing the wider product safety framework, to try and minimise the burdens on business while keeping the system up to date with new methods such as e-labelling.
There will be different rules for medical devices, construction products, cableways, transportable pressure equipment, unmanned aircraft systems, rail products, and marine equipment. Government departments responsible for these sectors are making sector specific arrangements.
