On 1 January 2021, UKCA marking came into immediate effect, applying to most goods sold in Great Britain – previously subject to CE marking. All businesses have from 1 January 2021 to 1 January 2022 (post-Brexit transition period) to prepare for the full transition to UKCA marking in Great Britain. This means that CE marked fire shutters can still be sold during the transition period (until 1 January 2022), allowing businesses to prepare and sort in time.
What is UKCA marking?
UKCA marking stands for UK Conformity Assessed marking and is used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain. This marking covers most goods that previously required CE marking.
Selling in Great Britain
It is important to note that the UKCA marking will apply to most goods previously subject to CE marking. Though there is a Brexit transition period (January 2021 to January 2022) – where many CE marked products can still be sold to help enterprises adjust – in some cases, however, UKCA marking must be applied to goods sold in Great Britain immediately.
Regarding CE marking standard roller shutters, the manufacturer will need to contact their notified body, which conducted the CE marking assessment. In regard to fire roller shutters, the manufacturer will need to discuss the transferring of their original CE marking certification to an EU27 notified body, and then apply for a UKCA mark certificate based on the assessments from the original, approved body.
Currently, it is acceptable to sell CE marked fire shutters to the Great British marketplace. However, CE marked fire shutters will not be recognised after the transition period ends. Therefore, it is imperative that the manufacturer contacts their notified body to ensure that a UKCA marked certificate is provided. For more information, check guidance on placing manufactured goods on the market in Great Britain.
Conformity assessment and accreditation
The Construction Product Regulations (EU) 305/2011 state the technical requirements that must be achieved to ensure compliance. The Assessment and Verification of Conformity of performance (AVCP System) clearly states if a notified body is required to assess the product to ensure compliance with CE Marking. System 4 and 3 are applicable for standard roller shutters – CE marked to BS EN 13241. However, fire shutters are complaint under the scope of system 1 and BS EN 16034. Self-declaration for conformity assessment is possible for Systems 4, in which the manufacturer declares the performance characteristics without the requirement for testing the product by a notified body. In this circumstance, the manufacturer can use the UKCA mark without consulting a UK approved body.
If a manufacturer cannot self-declare the performance characteristics, in accordance with the Construction Product Regulations, then they must contact their notified body to begin a process of transferring their documentation from CE marking to UKCA marking. The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) recommends that “UK businesses, government and local authorities requiring third-party conformity assessment services to source such services, where they exist, from conformity assessment bodies accredited by the UK NAB [National Accreditation Body]” (taken from the Conformity Assessment and Accreditation Policy in the UK guidance).
Do you need UKCA-marked fire shutters? Contact our industry-leading team today to find out more.
The benefits of conformity assessment
Conformity assessment not only assists in maintaining high standards for the UK marketplace, it provides consumers with assurance. Consumers can rely on market leaders and independent businesses to offer fully compliant products and services, other benefits include:
- Giving buyers confidence in their suppliers and their products/services
- Supporting competitiveness between businesses
- Facilitating trade
- Creating market advantage
- Providing a visible link between standards and the market
- Ensuring the product is tested appropriately and correctly
Selling in the EU
Products sold on the EU market must be CE marked, any products with UKCA marking will not be recognised. It is important to maintain CE standards when selling in the EU and remember UKCA marking is exclusively for the GB market.
What is CE marking?
CE marking is mandatory for products (that come under the scope of directive requiring CE marking) that are to be traded on the single market in the European Economic Area (EEA). By placing CE marking on a product, a manufacturer is declaring – on their sole responsibility – conformity with all legal requirements of CE marking.
Why do fire shutters need to be CE marked?
Under the Construction Products Regulation (EU) No 305/2011, in the safety in case of a fire section, “construction works must be designed and built in such a way that in the event of an outbreak of fire:
(a) the load-bearing capacity of the construction can be assumed for a specific period of time;
(b) the generation and spread of fire and smoke within the construction works are limited;
(c) the spread of fire to neighbouring construction works is limited;
(d) occupants can leave the construction works or be rescued by other means;
(e) the safety of rescue teams is taken into consideration.”
In accordance with this regulation, suppliers and manufacturers must provide documentation as evidence that they can officially CE mark fire shutters to BS EN 16034, as well as providing certification issued by an EU Notified Body. Without this certification and CE mark, companies will not only fail to sell within the EEA, but will also fail to provide compliant and safe products to the fire safety industry. As a result, letting down customers and their businesses by potentially endangering lives and opening their premises up to fire damage, creating brand-damaging mistrust. Head on over to our blog to read about the different types of fire shutters and to answer how do fire shutters work?
Notified Bodies for CE marking
UK Notified Bodies can no longer award CE marking for products to be sold in the EU due to the UK’s exit from the European Union. However, check if your UK Notified Body has arrangements in place to help you get the certification needed for the EU market, or alternatively find an EU Notified Body yourself. For a comprehensive guide to fire shutters, head to our blog to learn even more.
Keep your business and premises safe by installing fire shutters of the highest industry standard with SSS Industrial Doors Ltd. To find out which one would be best for you, call our expert team on 01204 853243 or contact us here.
