The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020 and is currently in a transition period where the UK is no longer represented in the EU political institutions, but the rules and obligations of EU membership are still in effect. The UK adopted EU standards cited in the OJEU (Official Journal of the European Union) on 1st January 2021 as UK Designated Standards, but the process for the adoption of revised standards cited in the OJEU is yet to be finalized. The process of converting to UK based legislation in this area involves the replacement of the 'CE' mark with the new UK Conformity Assessed, or 'UKCA' marking and the UK is currently in a position where both marks are recognised, currently due to end by 31 December 2024. All products manufactured to a harmonised European Standard (hEN) are expected to be either marked with the existing CE marking and to have transitioned to using the UKCA marking by the end of 2024. Further guidance on this process and the use of the UKCA marking can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukca-marking.
Updates from the UK Government are briefed to MPA Precast members as part of their membership.