FLAG Position on CE/UKCA Mutual Recongition
29 September 2022
Experts from across the GAMBICA membership responsible for technical and compliance matters relating specifically to products for use in potentially explosive (flammable) atmospheres reiterate their position that the best situation for UK businesses is still for the UK to seek a mutual recognition agreement with the EU for these products.
For many products, especially legacy products, used on large-scale manufacturing and processing sites, the cost of compliance does not represent good value, so we know that manufacturers will cease to serve the UK market. Many of these products are utilised in industries classified as critical national infrastructure: assets that are essential for the functioning of a society and economy. The installed base of products in these areas is significant, and the risk that products will not be available to support their continued operation is very real.
Matt Cogill, chair of GAMBICA’s Flammable Atmospheres Group, adds: “Whilst uncertainty remains around the implementation of the UK conformity mark it is imperative that industry uses its voice and makes clear its preference, in this case for Mutual Recognition”
The UKCA mark has only two impacts for manufacturers; restricting market access and adding cost. The government needs to do more to support businesses by helping to remove barriers to trade, not adding them.