Isn’t it time you had all your ducks in a row?

Make sure your company has a smooth and effective industry-specific language solution in place to avoid the pitfalls of official document translation

The recently signed UK-EU trade agreement (Technical Barriers to Trade) chapter is designed to ensure that respective regulatory regimes will not create unnecessary obstacles to trade for exporters. However, no agreement was reached on the UK’s proposal for a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on conformity assessment. Without an MRA, UK CABs are no longer recognised as competent to perform conformity assessments against EU regulatory requirements for the purposes of CE marking products to be placed on the EU market and vice versa.

The transitional arrangements mean that in most cases, the CE marking and reversed epsilon marking will be valid in the UK market until 31 December 2024; however, the majority of goods currently subject to the CE marking will be required to meet GB requirements when placed on the market from 31 December 2024.

It was full steam ahead for UK and EU exporters and importers before Brexit. However, a barrage of regulations and red tape have made imports and exports to the UK an obstacle course. EORI numbers, entry and exit summary declarations, temporary storage declarations… the list seems endless. But never fear! CPSL’s linguistic services, document management know-how, and regulatory affairs experience will reduce your trade tariffs while maximising compliance.

UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA)

As it stands in the EU, around 70% of products sold must be marked. Conveniently, CE marking obtained in one EU country is valid in all other EU and EFTA countries. But when it comes to the UK, everything changed with the introduction of UK Conformity Assessed marking and other requirements. The UK-only goods marking (UKCA) was originally due to take effect on 1 January 2021. It applies to goods that previously required the CE marking to be placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland, and their associated islands). These are also known as ‘new approach’ goods.

Under the EU-UK Trade Agreement and within the British Isles, UK-only goods marking (UKCA) is insufficient for goods placed on the Northern Ireland market, which require CE marking to demonstrate conformity with the relevant technical requirements. Furthermore, there are different rules for goods regulated under the old approach, those covered by national rules, and medical devices and civil explosives.

If conformity assessment procedures have not been completed and a supporting CE certificate issued before 31 December 2024, these products are considered ‘new’ products. This also includes where goods are subject to important changes, overhauling their original performance, purpose, or type requiring new certification. Any ‘new’ good must comply with GB regulatory requirements, including the requirement for conformity assessment by a UK-approved body from 31 December 2024.

The retesting measure applies across all module types for the following regulations:

Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for Outdoor Use Regulations 2001
Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008
Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products Regulations 2010 (with respect to boilers in accordance with Article 4 of Commission Regulation (EU) No 813/2013)
Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011
Explosives Regulations 2014
Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015
Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016
Simple Pressure Vessels (Safety) Regulations 2016
Lifts Regulations 2016
Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016
Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016
Non-automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations 2016
Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016
Recreational Craft Regulations 2017
Radio Equipment Regulations 2017
Regulation 2016/425 on personal protective equipment as it applies in GB
Regulation 2016/426 on gas appliances as it applies in GB

Language requirements for importing and exporting goods

The UK government provides up-to-date information for all kinds of businesses wanting to import and export goods into and out of the United Kingdom at https://www.gov.uk/topic/business-tax/import-export. The website has a section entitled notices, forms and manuals containing forms for import and export, excise notices: storing and moving goods, tariff notices, tariff quota notices, tariff stop press notices, and customs information papers. If you are searching for specific information on importing and exporting medical devices into and out of the United Kingdom, click here.

CPSL has an international team of linguists specialised in sectors and industries needing specific assistance with Brexit-related formalities, including the recently announced rules governing aerosols, previously labelled with the reverse epsilon that entered into force on 1 January 2023.

Whether you need to adapt your existing documentation and labels or are just starting the exciting journey of importing and exporting within or outside the EU, the team at CPSL is ready to be your invaluable partner, steering you through the minefield of international trade restrictions with seamless multilingual communication and expertise.