UKCA Marking: IWM Preparing For Change
Summary. We are a leading UK suppliers of hygiene solutions and are proactively adapting to the new UKCA marking system, mandatory post-Brexit. We’re ensuring our products comply with UK safety regulations through extensive training and preparations for the January 2023 deadline.
Industrial Washing Machines Ltd have been taking all of the necessary steps to ensure that they are prepared for UKCA marking. Following the UK’s exit from the EU and the ending of the transition period last December, many regulatory changes have been introduced into different sectors that serve UK markets. One of these changes is in regards to the conformity assessment of products which are to be used on British territory. IWM are one of the country’s leading suppliers of industrial washing machines and hygiene solutions. Therefore, adjusting to the new UKCA marking system is something that is compulsory for the company.
UKCA Marking
A new system called UKCA marking is to replace CE marking, which is the standard certification used in the EU. UKCA marking certifies that the product complies with the UK legislative requirements. In addition, that it is fit to be sold on the British market. The UKCA marking came into effect on 1 January 2021. However, the government is allowing businesses time to adjust to the new requirements. You will still be able to use the CE marking until 1 January 2023 in most cases. But, it is vital that manufacturers work towards ensuring all of their products are compliant with these new regulations. Furthermore, the UKCA marking alone cannot be used for goods placed on the Northern Ireland market.
Due to the impact of the pandemic on UK businesses, the government has made the decision to extend the deadline to January 2023. By this date, UKCA marking must be applied to all relevant products. This is in order to demonstrate their compliance with the new product safety regulations.
Products that meet the following conditions must be UKCA marked:
- The product is will be sold or used by the UK market
- The product is covered by the legislation that requires UKCA marking
- Your product requires a mandatory third party conformity assessment
- The conformity assessment has been carried out by a UK compliance body
Related: I’m A UK Manufacturer, Do I Need To Hold The File In The EU?
Preparing For The Changes
Industrial Washing Machines Ltd are suppliers of plenty of different cleaning machinery and bespoke hygiene solutions. With this in mind, having the knowledge ahead of time to keep their products compliant is pivotal.
Although the deadline has been extended, IWM have been busy equipping themselves with all the knowledge they need. Consequently, making sure their products conform to the new assessment procedures. Everyone in the team, has been investing time into learning all about how to get the company’s products compliant. From the product designers, through to the company directors. As a result, the team are more confident than ever regarding the change in regulatory requirements. Online courses to learn more about the procedures and regulations have been attended by all. Additionally, the team have gained incredibly useful knowledge that will undoubtedly ensure that IWM remains unaffected by the changes.
Example courses attended by IWM include:
https://www.ppma.co.uk/events/introduction-to-machinery-safety.html
https://www.ppma.co.uk/events/machinery-ce-and-ukca-marking-2-sept.html
Alongside the above, IWM staff have been attending the government recognised webinars which you can find here. To find out the labelling requirements that apply to your product, businesses should read the guidance published by the government: Product safety for businesses: A to Z of industry.
By investing as much time and effort into learning about the new approach to manufactured goods in the UK, it’ll be business as usual for IWM and their new UKCA marked industrial washing machines by January 2023.
