Recognition of CE marking for construction products will no longer end in June 2025, as initially planned by the UK government. Following a government decision in 2024, CE-marked construction products will continue to be accepted in Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland).
In Great Britain, the UK regulations apply, while according to the the Northern Ireland Protocol, Northern Ireland recognises both the EU and UK regulatory regimes.
UKCA and CE marking for construction products
Companies selling construction products in Great Britain can use either the CE or the UKCA marking. Essentially, manufacturers can either:
- affix the UK marking using a UK approved body, or
- affix the CE marking with UK(NI) marking using a UK approved body, or
- affix the CE marking using an EU notified body, when third-party conformity assessment body is required.
There is no need to affix both UK marking and CE markings for the UK market. If companies decide to affix both markings, products must have a Declaration of Performance that meet both the Great Britain and the EU Regulations’ requirements.
CE marking and EU Regulation
The EU Construction Products Regulation requires products to bear the CE marking and have a Declaration of Performance (DoP). The conformity is achieved either by applying harmonised standards or involving a European Technical Assessment body. When a product is not covered or not fully covered by a harmonised standard, manufacturers can apply for a European Technical Assessment as a route to CE marking.
From January 2026, the new revised Construction Product Regulation applies in the EU. Only selected provisions of the new Regulation apply already from January 2025.
UK certification capacity still insufficient
The need for longer recognition of CE marking became clear following the results of the Independent Review of the Construction Products Testing Regime and the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s report. The evaluation of the Testing Regime revealed that testing and certification capacity in the UK is still insufficient compared to the volume of conformity assessment that would be required when CE recognition ends. In addition, ending recognition of CE marking without a reform of the UK regime would create trade barriers and negatively affect the supply of products.
Open consultation on Construction Products Reform
Having recognised the gaps in the domestic regulatory framework, the UK government is proposing reforms to improve safety, accountability, and foster innovation. The proposal is now subject to an open consultation. From 26 February to 21 May 2025, stakeholders can participate in the survey and share their views.
For any questions on product compliance, contact us at prodlaw@obelis.net or leave us a message here.
References:
Gov.uk (2025). Guidance. EU Construction Products Regulation and CE marking, including UK product contact point for construction products. Retrieved on 12/03/2025.
Gov.uk (2024). Written statements – Written questions, answers and statements – UK Parliament. Retrieved on 12/03/2025.
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