BHETA has joined forces with a collective of trade associations that are lobbying the Government on the future of the CE safety mark after BREXIT. The CE (used by housewares suppliers as a signifier of safety approval on electrical products and products powered by lithium batteries) will cease to exist as of December 31 in the event of a no deal Brexit.
While the CE mark is due to be replaced by a UKCA safety mark, the criteria for applying the mark is not yet clear, potentially impacting on all housewares suppliers with electrical or lithium battery powered products. BHETA’s marketing manager, Steve Richardson explained, “This is an issue for many BHETA members and those impacted first are those who import from overseas where lead times dictate the need for the soonest possible guidance. The detail of the new UKCA mark is vital to briefing overseas manufacturers and it needs to be available as soon as possible, given that it is very possible that product for sale from January 2021 needs to carry the appropriate information.”
Steve continued: “The potential issue has come to the fore since The Small Electrical Appliance Marketing Association (SEAMA) became part of BHETA. The Environment and Operations Standards Committee originally formed by the former SEAMA is now making its knowledge and expertise available across the BHETA membership.”
SEAMA’s 14 members – G25Ltd, Meyer Group, Igenix (Pik-a-Pak), RKW, MPL Home, Vita-Mix, Ultimate Products, HoMedics, Magimix, Spectrum Brands, Morphy Richards, Group SEB, Conair, Delonghi Group – become individual members of BHETA in July where they were not already. While SEAMA’s name became dormant as a legal entity, the collective operates as a fourth BHETA committee (SEA) alongside the Housewares, DIY and Export committees.
Top: SKA suppliers will be affected by changes to the necessary safety marks on product packaging. Pictured is the Salter Go Healthy Electrical Soup Maker from Ultimate Products, a member of BHETA’s Small Electrical Appliance (SEA) committee.
