Product Safety and Metrology amendments with guidance

The amendment Regulations:

• extends the UK’s acceptance of certain products meeting EU requirements and markings until 31 December 2022 for products placed on the market in Great Britain;
• extends existing easements allowing businesses to affix the UKCA marking using a label or accompanying document until 31 December 2023; and
• amends some provisions of specific product safety and metrology legislation, which have previously been amended following the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, to ensure those provisions work fully as intended.

The following Regulations are amended:

• Non-automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations 2016
• Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016
• Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008
• Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016
• Radio Equipment Regulations 2017

The Office for Product Safety and Standards updated its statutory guidance on 16 November, to reflect the extension of the transition period for UKCA marking, and refers to EU Market Surveillance Regulation 2019/1020, which is now in force in Northern Ireland.

The guidance updated includes (click on each title to read guidance):

• Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016
• Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations 2016
• Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008
• Pressure Equipment Safety Regulations 2016
• Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018
• Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016
• Simple Pressure Vessels (Safety) Regulations 2016
• Radio Equipment Regulations 2017
• Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016
• Lifts Regulations 2016
• Gas Appliances (Enforcement) Regulations 2018
• Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001
• Guidance for businesses on the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016

The guidance documents will assist your understanding of the regulations as amended at the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020.