Clearing the confusion around UKCA relaxation
Recent UKCA policy announcements and guidance issued by the government have caused widespread confusion. We’re sympathetic because we misunderstood the update ourselves to start with!
The government made an announcement on 20 June 2022, with the apparent intention of easing the transition to full implementation of UKCA in UK markets on 1 January 2023. The announcement suggested that the government was relaxing the requirement for all UKCA-marked products to be backed by test evidence from UK approved bodies, and that test evidence secured from an EU Notified body prior to 31 December 2022 would now be accepted in support of a UKCA application.
However, it now transpires that the relaxation is much more limited than first seemed to be the case, particularly when it comes to construction products.
While System 3 test evidence conducted by an EU Notified body prior to 31 December 2022 will be accepted, it seems that the relaxation does not apply to System 1+, 1 and 2+ within the construction products sector, other than at the discretion of the UK Approved Certification Body. To put this in context, external fire door sets and door closers come under System 1.
The devil is always in the detail, and it’s critical that we all understand what we’re working to, when it comes to fulfilling legislation that helps to enhance life safety.
As always, the specialists at Rutland have made sure to get their heads round the latest guidance. If you require support with fulfilling UKCA requirements or with conducting specific fire testing, please reach out to our team.
