On 1st July 2014, it became a legal requirement under the Construction Products Regulations (CPR) to CE Mark fabricated steelwork sold in the UK.
Following Brexit, CE Marking will no longer be accepted in the UK after 1 January 2023 (correct at the time of writing February 2022 – this might change again). CE Marking will be replaced by UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) Marking and it has been possible for suitably accredited companies to apply a UKCA Mark since 1 January 2021. The UKCA Mark will have identical requirements to those for CE/UKCA Marking but it will not be recognised as compliant in Europe.
Please note that there are different rules for Northern Ireland. If you are considering assistance with compliance in Northern Ireland, please contact us for more information on these special requirements.
Sandberg Engineers and Consultants were at the heart of the preparations for the legislation including input into the main standard, EN 1090 and the National Structural Steelwork Specifications (NSSS). Sandberg Engineers and Consultants have extensive experience in the preparation of companies for CE/UKCA Marking accreditation and ISO 3834 compliance (note that ISO 3834 accreditation is now a mandatory requirement under NSSS 7 and the Specification for Highways Works, Series 1800). Sandberg can also provide Responsible Welding Coordinator (RWC) personnel as part of an overall package.
For Designers, Main Contractors and Specifiers
It is important to note that CE/UKCA Marking is not a ‘quality mark’ and does not ensure compliance with a project specification. Sandberg Engineers can assist the project team in ensuring that products supplied are compliant with the CE/UKCA Marking legislation and specification requirements.
Sandberg Engineers also offer CPD events to update Specifiers, Employers and Engineers in the requirements of the CE/UKCA Marking legislation.
For Fabricators
Sandberg Engineers and Consultants offer the most comprehensive service available that guides the fabricator through every aspect of the CE/UKCA Marking requirements from an initial review right through to CE/UKCA marking assessment by the Notified Body (NB).
This includes:
- An initial visit to review existing processes and systems
- Preparation of a ‘gap analysis’ report
- Guidance on additional procedures and requirements, i.e., Factory Production Control (FPC) / Welding Quality Management System (WQMS)
- Assistance with preparation of procedures/FPC/WQMS
- Monitoring visits to assist and guide implementation of the procedures/FPC/WQMS
- Training of personnel in the use of procedures/FPC/WQMS and visual welding inspection
- Provision of all welding certification documentation, i.e., WPQRs, WPSs, WQTCs
- Act as RWC for all Execution Classes
- Presence during the assessment by the Notified Body
Sandberg will provide a quotation but it should be noted that there is no ‘one size fits all’. All fabricators have different requirements and we only charge for what we do; there is no requirement to sign up for a fixed package.
For more information contact our in-house experts: