~ New UK technical requirements lead to changes in conformity marking ~
Leading motors, drives and automation manufacturer WEG is updating the marks on its products following regulatory changes introduced due to Brexit. From January 1, 2023, products commercialised in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) will require mandatory UK conformity assessed (UKCA) markings to indicate that the products adhere to UK standards for safety and ecodesign whilst products commercialised in Northern Ireland will continue to retain CE Marking. WEG’s safe area motors, drives and control gear products have already been certified as compliant under the new provisions and have achieved UKCA marking, allowing them to continue to be sold, installed, and used in the UK under the new guidelines.
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, manufacturers are expected to comply with UK regulations and standards and to display the new UKCA marking on their products — from January 1, 2023, a CE mark will no longer be valid. At present, goods solid in the United Kingdom are only required to carry the CE mark to indicate conformity with European standards. The certification puts WEG ahead of the curve, as manufacturers now have until December 31, 2022, to transition to the new regime following a recent BEIS announcement of a one-year extension to the process.
“WEG has always prioritised making market-leading products that work well for its customers and the environment, while striving to stay ahead of the changing regulatory landscape,” explained Marek Lukaszczyk, marketing manager for WEG Europe and Middle East. “This certification means manufacturers and plant operators in the UK can continue to install and use WEG motors with the assurance that they meet both the requirements they have now and will have in future.”
The certification process for products requiring third party certification through a UK Market Conformity Assessment Body, such as motors used in explosive atmospheres or drives with safety functionality, is currently in progress and the upgrade in the engineering system to include UKCA marking on these products is expected to be concluded during the last quarter of 2021.
The UKCA guidelines and European energy efficiency requirements mean manufacturers can benefit from improved efficiency and achieve long-term financial savings. For more information on WEG products and how they meet the new standards, contact your local branch at www.weg.net.
