New legislation to introduce digital labelling for imports

Following a consultation on its Product Safety Review, the government has announced new legislation to introduce digital labelling on imports.

Digital labelling will allow British businesses to put regulatory and manufacturing information online, rather than printed onto products, when importing goods manufactured overseas into the UK. The move seeks to reduce costs for British businesses and lessen the bureaucratic burdens of producing physical import labels.

Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

“I know first-hand the difficulties businesses face with regulations and red tape, and what we’re announcing today will not only ease business burdens and costs but will enable them to spend their time growing their companies and creating jobs.

“We’ve worked closely with multiple sectors to create policy that works for them and this is another step in the right direction to back British businesses.”

Alongside the introduction of digital labelling, the UK will also legislate to continue to recognise European CE marking (or reverse epsilon marking, where applicable) on a range of products alongside the country’s own UKCA product safety standard across many consumer product categories.

The announcement does not apply to regulations for medical devices, construction products, marine equipment, rail products, cableways, transportable pressure equipment and unmanned aircraft systems, led by relevant government departments.

Organisations representing UK manufacturers and businesses have welcomed the news to both allow digital labelling and continue recognition of the EU product safety markings.

Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK representing the UK manufacturing sector, said:

“The addition of three further regulated sectors that will benefit from the indefinite recognition of current EU requirements including the use of CE marking, is a welcome move that manufactures who develop and sell products in these areas will very much welcome and support.?

“The added introduction of a ‘fast track’ process for products that are covered by multiple regulations, new permanent arrangements for labelling flexibility and an option for digital labelling, will all work together to help safeguard the competitiveness of manufacturers and aid the UK as a destination for investment. Make UK has called for the indefinite extension of a CE marking recognition for all UK manufactured goods to be a permanent change, and this should cover all goods and products sectors produced using a manufacturing process.”

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive representing the motor trade, commented:

“Recognising CE marking indefinitely is very welcome and a common sense decision that will benefit the motorist and the competitiveness of the UK automotive industry. It means that thousands of aftermarket and supply chain businesses can continue to source vital automotive parts without unnecessary additional cost and complexity, keeping costs low for consumers and ensuring vehicles are built and maintained to the highest possible standards.”