The alliance, which represents the whole supply chain for construction products, from manufacturers, testing and certification facilities, and contractors/users, has previously urged Government to work with industry and agree a joined-up plan on the future of construction product certification and UKCA mark, including transition arrangements, as the process so far has created confusion, anxiety and costs. Actuate UK has also warned that ambiguity on the certification process could impact products’ safety for the public. The hope is that the Government’s response to the Independent Review of the Construction Product Testing Regime will soon provide answers to most of these questions.
Chris Yates, CEO of Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA), one of the Actuate UK members commented on the situation with construction products said: “While DBT announcement will be a huge relief for many manufacturers, the questions remain on construction products. The industry has already made significant investment to make the move to UKCA and manufacturers had to decided which construction products to put on the market based on approval costs. We need DLUHC to decide whether they will follow the DBT announcement and lift the deadline of 30 June 2025 while getting more clarity on further proposed changes in construction product testing regulations.”
The government intends to extend recognition of the CE marking for placing most goods on the market in Great Britain, indefinitely, beyond December 2024. These updates apply to the 18 regulations that fall under the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) which include:
- measuring instruments
- pressure equipment
- personal protective equipment (PPE)
- gas appliances
- machinery
- equipment for use outdoors.