The Construction Products Association has today (Aug 1) rushed to issue a warning over confusion that followed a government statement appearing to allow extended use of the CE marking for products in the UK.
The warning comes after the Department for Business and Trade announced earlier today (Aug 1): “An indefinite extension to the use of CE marking for UK businesses,” leading the CPA to add that the change does not apply to products in the construction sector.
The CPA warns: “The situation for our sector remains the same; that is, recognition of the CE mark for construction products in Great Britain will continue until 30th June 2025, when implementation of the UK CA marking scheme is set to become mandatory.”
“We fear that policy makers do not fully understand or appreciate the gravity of this policy position not only for our sector and the construction industry, but indeed for any government ambitions related to the UK’s housing, schools, hospitals, infrastructure and wider built environment.
CPA chief executive Peter L. Caplehorn goes on to state: “The CPA has long argued that every day that manufacturers have to wait for clarification from government causes more damage. This uncertainty has exacerbated product availability issues, led to UK and foreign manufacturers pulling products from the UK market, diminished investment and R&D, and therefore negatively impacted jobs and the ability of the product sector to support the UK construction industry every day.
“We hope that today’s announcement reflects a new appreciation by policy makers of the cost and burden caused by the CA Mark scheme. We will appreciate further discussions with the government to ensure the UK construction products sector sees similar clarity very soon.”
