Last year, the UK Government has confirmed an extension to the recognition of the CE marking for construction products beyond the previously planned deadline of June 2025. This decision has allowed manufacturers to continue placing construction products on the Great Britain market using the CE marking, rather than being limited to the UKCA marking.
This extension provides manufacturers with greater flexibility and helps to ease the compliance efforts required for the UKCA transition.
Routes to market access in the UK under the Construction Products Regulations
Manufacturers placing construction products on the market must follow specific marking routes depending on the location of their conformity assessment body and the regulatory framework in place. Here is a simplified breakdown:
- If assessment is carried out by a UK Approved Body, products destined for Great Britain must carry theĀ UKCA marking.
- If a UK Approved Body is used for products placed on the Northern Ireland market, these must display theĀ CE marking accompanied by theĀ UK(NI) marking.
- If an EU Notified Body conducted the conformity assessment, the products must bear CE marking, which allows them to place the product in both Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Products whose conformity route does not require a third-party assessment can bear either CE or UKCA marking.
Pathways to CE Marking under the EU Construction Products Regulation
The EUās Construction Products Regulation (CPR) presents two pathways to affixing the CE mark:
1.Harmonised Standards
Manufacturers whose products fall within the scope of existing harmonised standards are obliged to affix the CE mark by assessing the performance against those standards and the CPR and issue the DoP accordingly.
2.European Technical Assessment (ETA)
For products not covered by harmonised standards, manufacturers may proceed with voluntary CE mark by requesting an ETA from a designated Technical Assessment Body. The ETA defines the essential characteristics against which performance is assessed, enabling the manufacturer to draw up a DoP and affix the CE mark.
In both routes, the CE mark and DoP together showcase that the product meets the essential safety and performance requirements set out in the CPR.
Advantages of the CE Marking route for market access
It is highly advisable for manufacturers to follow the CE marking procedure, as it can provide access to both the EU and UK markets through a single conformity assessment process. When third-party involvement is required, using an EU Notified Body allows the CE marking to be recognised in both regions. This approach can streamline market entry and reduce duplication of effort.
Do you have questions about how to enter the EU or UK market with your construction product?Ā
References:
United Kingdom Government (2025), Guidance on Construction Products Regulation in Great Britain. Retrieved on 21/07/2025.
Meric Gonul
Regulatory Intelligence & Innovation
21/07/2025