After Brexit, the UKCA mark will replace the CE marking for construction products sold in England, Wales and Scotland.
What does this mean for construction products which are fully covered by a UK designated standard?
For such products, the UKCA marking is mandatory from 1st January 2022. The UK designated standards are identical to the harmonised European standards. (Note: This situation may change in future).
What does this mean for anchors and other construction products covered by Technical Assessments?
For anchors and other products covered by ETAs (European Technical Assessment), UKCA marking is voluntary (as it is the case with the CE marking). For such products, an UK Technical Assessment (UKTA) can be issued by manufacturers’ request. Such an UKTA is based on an UK Assessment Document (UKAD). Unless no UKTA is issued for a product, which is not covered by a standard, it is legal to sell it without UKCA marking in England, Wales and Scotland after the 31.12.2021. According to our information, the use of a CE marking for such products in the UK will not be prosecuted, because the CE marking has no legal meaning in the UK. Future UK construction laws or codes may require the use of UKCA marked anchors.
Which design method for anchors will apply in UK?
The Eurocode design standard BS EN 1992-4:2018 “Eurocode 2. Design of concrete structures. Design of fastenings for use in concrete”, which refers to ETAs, is still valid in the UK and can be used to design anchor applications, independent if the respective anchor is UKCA marked or not.
Will EADs and ETAs be converted into UKADs and UKTAs?
CFE is in close contact with BBA (British Board of Agrément) to clarify the conversion of EADs European Assessment Documents into UKADs (UK Assessment Documents) and of ETAs into UKTAs (UK Technical Assessments).
Additional information can be found under
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/construction-products-regulation-in-great-britain
- https://www.bbacerts.co.uk/ukta/
- https://www.bbacerts.co.uk/ukca-mark/
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Disclaimer: The information above is based on our best knowledge. CFE accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to the information on this site