Construction Products Regulations from 1 January 2022
In October 2020, LHC issued an advice note regarding the use of the new UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark which replaced the European CE mark. We advised that due to the period of co-existence of the two marks in the UK until 1 January 2022, LHC would accept certification using both CE and UKCA marking regimes between 1st January 2021 and 31st December 2021. We also encouraged all Appointed Companies and tenderers to ensure they can comply with the UKCA marking requirements as soon as possible by reading the guidance (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/construction-products-regulation-from-1-january-2021) and making suitable arrangements for the switchover well before the 31st December 2021 deadline.
With only eight months to go before UKCA mark is obligatory, we are reminding all Appointed Companies and tenderers that construction products that were the subject harmonised European Standards and which are now the subject of UK ‘designated standards’ will have to be UKCA marked and LHC will only accept UKCA certification as compliance evidence from 1 January 2022.
A comprehensive list of the 445 products currently covered can be found at Designated standards: construction products - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Just about everything that is used in construction is included, with the exception of kitchen units – although the kitchen sink does make an appearance. Doubtless, this list will be updated as new standards are introduced, and it will be wise to keep an eye on the list.
UK approved bodies are now listed on the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) web site UK Market Conformity Assessment Bodies - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk), together with UK technical assessment bodies who will be able to carry out the technical assessment of construction products for the UK market. The products may then be affixed with the UKCA marking, and companies will be able to certify their compliance when completing LHC tenders.
LHC will also be conducting reviews with relevant Appointed Companies to ensure that the UKCA marks are applied for continuing compliance with our frameworks.
We therefore continue to encourage all Appointed Companies to ensure they can comply with the UKCA marking requirements as soon as possible by reading the guidance and making suitable arrangements for the switchover well before the 31st December 2021 deadline.
