Door Industry Journal - Spring 2021

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 120 THE door industry journal spring 2021 Since the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020, there has been a new product marking system covering goods that previously required CE marking. Richard Bromley, Business Development Director at UNION, part of the ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware Group, sets out everything you need to know. Understanding the rules and regulations surrounding the new UKCA and UKNI marks, and the deadlines when CE marking will no longer apply for products sold into Great Britain, can be a lot to get your head around. Nevertheless, it is important that everyone in the door hardware supply chain works to help ensure that security products and door opening solutions with the appropriate product marking are being specified and installed – not least because of the potential penalties for not doing so. So, what does the new product marking system state, whose responsibility is it, and what you need to do? The key points In its simplest terms, UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is the new product marking system that will be used for goods being placed on the market in England, Scotland and Wales. Here is a short breakdown of the key points: • During 2021, all products requiring conformity marking sold in Great Britain must either be UKCA marked from UK approved body, CE marked from a EU notified body or both • As of the 1 January 2022 CE marking will no longer be recognised in Great Britain, but will still be valid in Northern Ireland and the EU27 • For CE marked products, there will be a ‘coexistence’ period until 31st December 2021, where these goods can continue to be sold in Great Britain • UKCA marking must be undertaken by a UK-recognised ‘approved body’ For Northern Ireland, a separate mark – the UKNI mark – now applies. In line with the Northern Ireland Protocol, which aims to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the province will continue to follow the EU’s rules on product standards. However, the UKNI mark will need to be applied in some cases. • The UKNI mark came into effect from 1 January 2021 • CE marking will continue to be used in Northern Ireland, to illustrate products still meet European standards • However, if a manufacturer uses a UK approved body to carry out third-party assessment on products, then the product must also carry the UKNI mark • It’s important to note the UKNI mark will never be used on its own Locks & Building Hardware UKCA and UKNI – Are You Up to The Mark Yet?