CPA warns about continuing impact of CA Mark

Government clarifies that indefinite extension to use of CE marking does not apply to construction products

THE Construction Products Association (CPA) has warned, following clarification from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), that the UK government announcement today [1 August] about an indefinite extension to the use of CE marking for UK businesses does not apply to the construction products sector.

Rather, the situation for construction products sector remains the same; that is, recognition of the CE mark for construction products in Great Britain will continue until 30 June 2025, when implementation of the UK CA marking scheme is set to become mandatory.

CPA chief executive Peter L. Caplehorn said: ‘We fear that policy makers do not fully understand or appreciate the gravity of this policy position, not only for our sector and the construction industry, but indeed for any government ambitions related to the UK’s housing, schools, hospitals, infrastructure and wider built environment.

‘The CPA has long argued that every day that manufacturers have to wait for clarification from government causes more damage. This uncertainty has exacerbated product availability issues, led to UK and foreign manufacturers pulling products from the UK market, diminished investment and R&D, and, therefore, negatively impacted jobs and the ability of the product sector to support the UK construction industry every day.

‘We hope that today’s announcement reflects a new appreciation by policy makers of the cost and burden caused by the CA Mark scheme. We will appreciate further discussions with the Government to ensure the UK construction products sector sees similar clarity very soon.’