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13 Feb 2023
TDUK explains what the UKCA delays mean for you
In December, the UK Government announced it is delaying the full implementation of the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking scheme for construction products sold in England, Scotland and Wales until 30 June 2025. Originally, businesses were told they would need to have the UKCA mark on all relevant products from 1 January 2023, but this latest delay applies to all construction products, including structural timber, Plywood and other wood-based panels like OSB and MDF.
This gives businesses an additional two years to apply the UKCA mark to their products. Until then, they may use either the CE or the UKCA mark, if they have already made the transition.
To help timber businesses navigate the confusion, Timber Development UK (TDUK) has issued a Technical Note to outline the changes, and explain how businesses can make sure they remain compliant during this transitionary period.
You can read and download the full Technical Note at timberdevelopment.uk/resources/ce-to-ukca-marking-june-update
Why are CE/UKCA marks important?
A CE/UKCA Mark is a summary of the product’s Declaration of Performance (DoP) and is your way to check the products you sell are fit for purpose.
The DoP shows deep details on the product manufacturer, their factory control processes, the standards to which products conform, product details, timber species, grade-related information, and Reaction to Fire properties.
This gives you, the merchant, as much information as possible to help you recommend a safe, correct and fit-for-purpose product to your customers. That means you’re doing your best to protect the reputation of both your business and your customers.
What should the mark show?
A CE or UKCA mark is a summary of the full DoP and for structural timber products should show:
The manufacturer
DoP reference number
Factory Production Control certificate number
Harmonised Standard number (eg, BS EN 14081)
Timber species
Strength grade (e.g, C16 or C24 on carcassing)
Whether machine-graded, indicated by the letter M
Confirmation it has been Dry Graded (DG).
Ask your timber supplier for a copy of the manufacturer’s DoP and make sure it is stored in a safe and accessible place.
Visit our website for more on UKCA marks.