The UK’s proposed Product Safety and Metrology Bill, as outlined in the recent King’s Speech, has raised industry concerns regarding the potential alignment with European standards.
- The government signifies intent to align UK’s product-marking regulations with EU standards, possibly reviving the CE marking for construction products.
- Changes could lead to additional costs and regulatory instability for businesses due to the introduction of the UKCA mark.
- Industry leaders demand clarity as current product regulation approaches disadvantage UK manufacturers.
- The bill aims to sustain the UK as a leader in product regulation, yet leaves construction product specifics ambiguous.
The UK’s government recently signalled its intention to possibly align product-marking regulations with European standards, raising calls for clarity and causing concern within the construction industry. This development follows the King’s Speech, which introduced the Product Safety and Metrology Bill under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer. The bill promises to update laws to recognise new or updated EU product regulations, including the familiar CE marking, where deemed appropriate. This measure seeks to prevent additional costs for businesses and provide regulatory stability. However, the legislation also aims to ensure that the UK can discontinue recognising EU product regulations if it aligns better with the interests of UK businesses and consumers.
The decision to replace the long-standing CE mark with the new UKCA mark for construction products by 30 June 2025 is contentious. Critics argue that this transition is an unnecessary expenditure of resources and time, especially since the change has faced multiple delays. This new legislation presents a potential for continued uncertainty, especially as construction is the only sector mandated to switch to UKCA marking after other sectors were exempted last summer.
A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson stated the bill’s purpose is to maintain the UK’s status as a global leader in product regulation, aiding businesses while protecting consumers. However, they abstained from confirming whether these measures would encapsulate construction products, leaving the industry in suspense about forthcoming details.
Construction Products Association’s chief executive, Peter Caplehorn, expressed that the information currently provided is inadequate and intriguing at best. He emphasised the necessity for resolution on the UKCA mark for construction products and clarity over numerous product regulations and designation processes. Caplehorn highlighted the unresolved issues, asserting that they pose barriers to sector growth and support for the government’s wider economic aspirations.
Meanwhile, Iain McIlwee, chief executive of the Finishes and Interiors Sector, underlined the urgency of addressing product regulation as a critical matter for policymakers. He criticised the current approach, which showcases UK manufacturers at a disadvantage compared to their EU counterparts, burdening them with unwarranted compliance costs and complex requirements. McIlwee pointed out that separate handling of construction products from other manufacturing sectors borders on nonsensical, potentially relegating the industry to an outdated position.
The legislation’s rules will apply to England, Scotland, and Wales, as per the Windsor Framework, which ensures EU regulations continue to apply in Northern Ireland.
The UK government’s product safety bill sparks debate and demands clarity to navigate potential regulatory shifts.
