On the 1st of January 2022 we closed the book on 2021 but we also saw the beginning of the end of the CE mark on glassware in the UK. As a result, it is now mandatory by law for licenced establishments when selling by measurements to use glassware with the marking UKCA. The purpose of the UKCA mark is to ensure the measures being served by licensees complies with UK directives. The reason for this change is because of the EU referendum of 2016 which resulted in the United Kingdom voting to leave the European Union. The following diagram explains the individual aspects that make up the new UKCA mark:
For the remainder of 2022, you can continue to receive CE marked stock from your wholesaler whilst existing stock sells through. But once stock has been exhausted UKCA marked products will replace and come 1st January 2023 only UKCA marked products can be sold within Great Britain. Equally, any current CE glassware can continue to be used in the UK marketplace for the remainder of the life of the product.
Much like how the CE marked products follow the EU Harmonised Standards rules and regulations, UKCA should also follow a standardisation too (the UK Declaration of Conformity is recommended by .GOV). It is thought the standards will mirror those its EU counterpart, but glass fabricators will still be able to make their own declarations of performance surrounding the health and safety design elements which aim to safeguard the end user.
Understandably there is one final caveat and that comes in the form of Northern Ireland. Naturally the Republic of Ireland falls under EU standards and as such will continue using the CE marking. The territory of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) will for the remainder of 2022 have the option to purchase both CE and UKCA but for 2023 only UKCA options will be available. But as Northern Ireland represents a grey area as it possesses a land border with an EU country the options are different. Should glassware goods be placed on the Northern Irish market be manufactured using an EU conformity assessment body the mark will be CE. If the goods however are produced using a UK-based body the options will be either CE or UKNI meaning the UKCA mark should not be present in Northern Ireland.
For more information surrounding the UKCA mark and its usage and the UKNI mark click the respective links to read further on the government website.
Alliance Online endeavour to remain at the forefront of industry standards and aim to inform our customers of any changes which may affect them. For any queries on how this may affect you or your business please contact your local Alliance depot.
