UK to keep EU safety mark indefinitely, stepping back from post-Brexit changes

LONDON

The UK government on Tuesday decided to retain the EU's product safety mark indefinitely, taking another step back from proposed post-Brexit changes.

The decision was made after mounting pressure from industry and manufacturers who advocated for the continuation of the CE (Conformite Europeenne) mark.

This mark is utilized by the European bloc to certify a wide array of products, including electrical goods, construction materials, medical devices, and toys, to ensure they adhere to safety standards.

"The Government is tackling red tape, cutting burdens for business, and creating certainty for firms – we have listened to industry, and we are taking action to deliver," Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said in a statement.

"By extending CE marking use across the UK, firms can focus their time and money on creating jobs and growing the economy," he added.

Originally, the CE mark was set to be replaced with the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark for goods sold in the UK by the end of 2024.

However, due to several extensions of the deadline for the changeover, businesses appealed to the government for an extension of the CE mark's usage.

They argued that enforcing compliance with new UK rules, which would initially duplicate EU product standards, would impose substantial costs on companies.

Many businesses are still grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic, as well as dealing with persistently high inflation, making it an unfavorable time for additional financial burdens.