UK Extends CE Mark Recognition for Machinery

by  BlidFive

Country: United Kingdom
Notification Date: 2026-02-24

Overview

The United Kingdom has issued a WTO TBT notification regarding new regulations to extend the recognition of CE-marked machinery on the Great Britain (GB) market. This initiative aims to maintain trade continuity and align with updates to the EU machinery directive, allowing businesses to continue using either CE or UKCA marking for relevant products.

Key Details

• Country: United Kingdom
• Document Symbol: G/TBT/N/GBR/114
• Notification Date: 2026-02-24
• Comment Deadline: Not specified
• Effective Date: 14th January 2027

Summary of Changes

The ‘Supply of Machinery (Safety) (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026’ (the GB Regulations 2026) will amend the existing 2008 regulations. These new regulations will continue to recognize certain EU requirements, including the CE marking, for machinery placed on the GB market. This specifically refers to compliance with Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, which supersedes Directive 2006/42/EC. The scope of these provisions extends to England, Scotland, and Wales.

Impact Assessment

• Which products or sectors are affected: Manufacturers, importers, and distributors of machinery and partly completed machinery currently relying on CE marking for the GB market.
• Potential impact on international trade: This measure is expected to facilitate trade flows between the EU and GB by reducing the need for dual certification (CE and UKCA) for compliant machinery. It ensures continued market access for products meeting the specified EU requirements.
• Compliance requirements for exporters: Exporters placing CE-marked machinery on the GB market must ensure their products fully comply with Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 and the specific conditions outlined in the new GB Regulations 2026.
• Market access implications: This extension of CE recognition maintains current market access for CE-marked machinery in GB, preventing potential disruptions and compliance burdens for businesses.

What Businesses Should Do

• Recommended actions for affected companies: Businesses should carefully review the full text of ‘The Supply of Machinery (Safety) (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026’ upon its official publication. Assess current machinery compliance against Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 and update technical documentation accordingly.
• Compliance timeline: The regulations are set to come into force on 14th January 2027. Companies have until this date to understand and implement necessary adjustments to their compliance strategies.
• Resources or contacts for more information: Consult official guidance from the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and utilize the WTO TBT enquiry point. Monitor UK Government publications for the final statutory instrument and detailed implementation guidance.

Conclusion

The UK’s decision to extend the recognition of CE-marked machinery in Great Britain provides crucial clarity and stability for international trade. This pragmatic approach supports continued market access and reduces potential compliance complexities for businesses. Staying informed and proactively preparing for these changes is vital for maintaining smooth trade operations and ensuring ongoing compliance.

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Official Notification: https://docs.wto.org/imrd/directdoc.asp?DDFDocuments/t/GTBTNGBR114.docx
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