Government to drop new UK safety mark following UKTBC recommendation

As recommended by the UK Trade and Business Commission, the Government has indefinitely delayed plans to introduce a new UK product safety mark.

There were concerns among manufacturers that this plan would duplicate work and increase costs as those wanting to export to the EU would still be required to mark their products with the bloc’s own product safety marking which the UK has used for decades.

In June, the UK Trade and Business Commission published 114 recommendations to improve trading conditions for UK businesses and boost economic growth. The following pertained to the Government’s plans for a new UK product safety marking:

23. The UK Government should delay the mandatory use of the new UKCA marking until there is a clear demonstration that the marking offers tangible benefits to UK regulators, businesses and consumers. 

24. The UK Government should use the intervening time to fully review the UKCA certification process and ensure that it is cost-effective, efficient and risk-based. This could involve simplifying documentation requirements, focusing on innovative digital solutions or reducing the need for third-party assessments. 

25. The UK Government should work closely with the EU in order to establish a plan for the mutual recognition of conformity assessment results. This would reduce trade friction considerably

Co-convener of the UK Trade and Business Commission,  Hilary Benn MP, said 

“Businesses will breathe a sigh of relief that the Government has finally changed its mind on this plan which would have increased red tape and costs for businesses at the worst possible time for no discernible benefit.

“Ministers should now follow this rationale in other areas and ensure that the UK aligns with the standards of our largest market unless there is a clear benefit in divergence.”