Actuate UK, the voice of the engineering services sector, welcomes the extension to the UKCA Mark transition - now confirmed for all construction products till 30 June 2025.
Actuate UK urges Government now to work with industry and agree a joined-up plan for the transition to UKCA Mark and how the new marking regime can add value to the industry and its relations with global markets.
While the delay to the transition from CE to UKCA Mark for all products is a relief for the industry, the process so far has created confusion, anxiety and costs.
Actuate UK represents the whole supply chain for construction products, from manufacturers, testing and certification facilities, and contractors/users. Previously, the alliance highlighted issues with capacity of testing facilities, clarified the situation on spare parts of already certified products and raised concerns over the awareness of the industry of the changes. It also welcomed updates in guidance, sent in June and December 2022, while highlighting the impact of ambiguity to ensure products are safe for the public.
Chris Yates, CEO of Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA), one of the Actuate UK members commented: “We need DLUHC and BEIS to be more coordinated on this. Manufacturers have already spent a lot of money getting UKCA approval. Now that we have more time on the transition, we need a more substantial discussion on how the new UKCA Mark will interact with the CE in the future and the prospects for mutual recognition.”
Tom Garrigan, Technical Director for Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA), which is the only accredited body in the UK that can certify AVCP system 3 products, such as radiators, commented: “The easement in the regulations brought by the Government is necessary to ensure the continued supply of construction products into the market. The latest announcement does not specifically reference the June 2022 Easement for System 3 products where Government intended to accept historic test results for products under AVCP System 3. Urgent clarity is needed to confirm the requirements relating to the use of historic test results along with a coherent plan considering all aspects of the Construction Products Regulation in Great Britain, providing a smoother transition to deploying the UKCA Mark.”
Nick Mellor, Managing Director of Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) added on how the issue is impacting the sector: “We welcome the extensions announced by Government and the easements especially on spare parts. We look forward to contributing to the Government’s Product Safety Review and working with Government on the future regulatory framework. This must support at least the same levels of safety while not adding unnecessary burdens to industry. We must not forget these products are used by the public, and it is in their interest we get this right.”
