UK to keep EU safety mark in Brexit climbdown
EU’s product safety symbol will remain on goods in the UK, in a massive post-Brexit climbdown.
The UK government has decided to continue recognising the symbol after plans that goods such as lights bulbs and toys were means to carry a new UK-only mark to be sold in Great Britain.
But the business department has confirmed the EU symbol will continue to be accepted on most goods.
Trade body Make UK welcomed the move, saying it would increase certainty.
But the manufacturing group criticised ministers’ handling of the issue, saying a history of “last-minute policy changes” had created unnecessary costs.
The CE mark will be recognised indefinitely in 18 areas, including toys, fireworks, lifts, radio equipment, and protective gear.
It means in these areas, British firms will be able to choose whether to use the new UKCA symbol or retain the CE mark by applying to have their products certified by an accredited European body.
Rules for other areas, including medical devices and construction equipment, would continue to be determined by other government departments, it said.
