PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Secondhand Goods: Certification Quality Marks (18 February 2019)

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effect on (a) charity shops and (b) other second hand retailers of plans to replace Conformité Européene markings with a UK mark in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

Asked by:
Mr Toby Perkins (Labour)

In the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal, the Government is taking the decision to adopt a continuity approach in some areas, such as CE marked products, and continue to recognise CE marking as now. This means that charity retailers and other second-hand retailers can continue to place second hand goods with CE marking on the UK market, as before, for a time-limited period. There will be no need to reassess or re-mark goods, thereby minimising costs to business and consumers.

As products that meet EU requirements can continue to be placed on the UK market without any need for reassessment or re-marking, CE marked products will therefore not be required to be re-marked with a UK Marking. This includes second hand products.

We will consult with business, including charity retailers, before taking any decision to end the period of recognition of the CE marking.

Answered by:
Kelly Tolhurst (Conservative)
26 February 2019