Brexit & CE marking, will anything change for you?

The United Kingdom (UK) left the European Union (EU) on Jan. 31, 2020. Now there is a transition period until December 31, 2020. During this period, the UK must comply with all EU rules and laws. For businesses, almost nothing will change until then. Changes do come after the transition period, with or without agreement on the new relationship between the UK and the EU. What should you take into account?

The role of the market participant

After December 31, 2020, a UK-based manufacturer or importer will no longer be considered a European operator. As a result, an EU-based distributor, which markets products manufactured or imported through the UK, will be considered an importer marketing products from a third country. This operator will have to comply with the specific obligations of an importer, which differ from those of a distributor. Among other things, this means that goods must be marked with your company name and address and you may have to indicate the country of origin on the product.

In addition, UK-based agents or responsible persons will no longer be recognized within the EU. This may apply, for example, to specific product groups, such as toys.

Standards

In the event of a no-deal, it could mean that your goods may have to meet new standards in the short term in order to make them available on the UK market. This requires effort to adjust your production,- quality,- and other processes. The chances of this happening are slim. Over 85% of British standards are identical to international (ISO/IEC) and European (CEN/CENELEC) standards. The British Institute for Standardization, British Standards Institution (BSI), will remain a member of CEN and CENELEC until the end of 2021. Until then, arrangements will be worked out for BSI membership. This means that BSI will still be involved in European standards development, benefiting EU-UK trade.

Demonstrating conformity

There are products that require a certificate of conformity, for example, personal protective equipment and medical devices. This means that a notified body, (Notified Bodies - NB) must assess the product. The NB must be based in the EU. Therefore, on the label of products with certificates, check the four-digit number of the NB that issued the certificate. If that number refers to an NB from the UK, you will not be able to place that product on the European market from January 1, 2021. Product groups for which this may apply can be found in the overview of CE directives.

No deal? UKCA

If there is no deal between the UK and the EU then there will be a new symbol: UKCA, United Kingdom Conformity Assessment. This will replace CE marking in the UK. Conversely, the British will still have to CE mark their products for the European market.

Need advice or support?

Do you need advice on CE marking related products? Précon Quality Services is happy to advise and support you in identifying and meeting your obligations. Feel free to contact us at +31 (0)30 - 65 66 010 or info@precongroup.com.