CE Mark

CE Mark

Spring 2018 CE mark Safety standard Failing to comply with regulations and standards could be a matter of life and death We would encourage the government, as part of Brexit discussions, to be thinking about retaining or exploring alternatives to CE marking The Conformit Europenne (CE) mark is a reassuring symbol that indicates products have been tested to high standards to ensure they wont put peoples health and safety at risk. Goods that must be marked include toys, electrical items and construction products. Manufacturers that fail to assess and CE mark their products risk exposing consumers to serious harm even death and could face enforcement action from market surveillance authorities, such as Trading Standards. Their products may then be removed from the EU market, and the manufacturer could be fined or imprisoned for non-compliance. Unsafe and dangerous products put UK citizens lives at risk, said Leon Livermore, chief executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). CE marking is a valuable tool in enabling Trading Standards to ensure goods sold in the UK meet the highest standards. Natasha Crookes, director of public affairs and communications at the British Toy and Hobby Association, believes with Brexit on the horizon that it is important to emphasise the importance of the CE mark. It helps to identify toys that have been made to an incredibly high standard of safety requirements, she says. The mark is linked to membership of the European Single Market. We would encourage the government, as part of Brexit discussions, to be thinking about retaining or exploring alternatives to CE marking, so that the UK does not become a dumping ground for unsafe toys if we can no longer rely on a CE mark. what you must do to do comply Credit: CTSI Image: istock / Sohel_ Parvez_Haque It is important for manufacturers and distributors to be aware of their legal responsibilities for CE marking. Trading Standards experts have published a new video guide for businesses on CE marking, to ensure consumers and businesses are protected. The guide appears on the government-backed Business Companion website, produced by CTSI. For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service