The UK Government has decided to retain recognition of the CE mark indefinitely. This decision applies to various types of goods that are regulated under laws falling under the remit of the Department for Business and Trade, including toys, machinery and aerosols. However, this decision will not currently apply to certain goods regulated by other government departments which have different rules, including significantly medical devices. The Government had already confirmed that the CE mark would continue to be accepted for medical devices on the GB market for an extended period compared to other goods, and so further developments in relation to medical devices should be monitored.
The CE mark was originally set to be replaced by the UKCA mark for other relevant goods by at the end of 2024 following delays - you can read more about placing goods on the EU and UK markets and changes announced to make the UKCA product marking transition easier. This move comes as a response to appeals from industry and manufacturers to cut back on red tape. The CE mark's continued recognition grants businesses a practical advantage by avoiding the additional costs and complexities associated with a changeover. However, businesses that have taken costly steps to prepare for the new UKCA mark could be aggrieved by the news. Overall, retaining recognition of the CE mark not only ensures conformity to EU safety standards but also provides companies with a more stable environment for planning and growth, by helping to align industry expectations and offering much-needed clarity in an evolving regulatory landscape.