A number of ISOQAR customers are making enquiries with regards to the ending of the ‘transition period’ with the European Union and how it will affect their BS EN 1090 certification with Alcumus ISOQAR.
On 31 December 2020 at 11pm the transition period negotiated with the European Union will officially end and on 14 June 2020 Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyden agreed not to extend the transition period.
This is the situation as it stands at the moment.
For our UK customers up to the end of transition period who only trade in the UK marketplace, there is no need to take any action other than continue with your BS EN 1090 audits with Alcumus ISOQAR to maintain your certification to the standard.
After transition, use of the CE Mark in the UK marketplace will not be lawfully allowed and customers will need to use the UKCA mark for any components manufactured. Alcumus ISOQAR will automatically become an ‘Approved Body’ and keep the same registration number ‘0513’.
Additionally, goods which are made and assessed against EU harmonised standards, legitimately carry the CE mark and are manufactured before the end of transition e.g. in warehouses, can continue to be placed on the UK marketplace. It is intended that these arrangements will be for a time-limited period, but the draft legislation itself does not limit the duration of this provision.
For UK and non-UK customers who wish to continue trade in the EU marketplace, negotiations are ongoing between the government, UKAS and the European Union to agree to a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) to accept the UKCA Mark as the equivalent of the current CE Mark and for the CE Mark to be accepted on the UK market. UKAS are very hopeful that this will be in place before the end of the transition period.
The certification of other management systems including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 through Alcumus ISOQAR will continue to be accredited by UKAS and will not be impacted by the ending of the transition period.
As negotiations continue, we will endeavour to keep you informed regarding progress and will issue further information in the form of updated position statements via our website and direct communication.
