04/04/14 12:08
Support for business
Funding for CE marking.
CE Marking for fabricated structural steelwork will become mandatory from 1 July 2014, as a result of EU directives.
This has implications for Scottish business, which is why the Scottish Government has worked closely with public sector partners to address the concerns raised by businesses, increase awareness and identify what support can be provided.
A funding package to support the costs of moving towards notification by a certified body is available and businesses can claim back up to 30 per cent of the costs, up to a maximum contribution of £1,000.
The Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney said:
“The introduction of CE Marking of structural steelwork will meet public safety requirements. The Scottish Government recognises the importance of these changes and will continue to work closely with public sector partners to ensure that business affected are supported.
“We would urge SMEs affected by the introduction of the new regulations to contact an accreditation body at the earliest opportunity to ensure they receive the support needed.
“Local authority trading standards have responsibility for policing the regulations and I hope they will adopt a pragmatic approach and focus on helping businesses comply with the requirements rather than punishing them for not.”
CE Marking of structural steelwork is a declaration by the manufacturer that their product meets certain public safety requirements. CE Marking of construction products was introduced in the Construction Products Directive (CPD) in 1988. The CPD is a European Directive that seeks to remove barriers to trade and applies to all construction products permanently incorporated into ‘construction works’. This includes steel products such as steel sections, structural bolts, welding consumables and fabricated steel components that are used in buildings, bridges, highways and other civil engineering structures. CE Marking of some products became mandatory on 1 July 2013 while fabricated steelwork covered by BS EN 1090-1 CE Marking, becomes mandatory on 1 July 2014.
If SMEs find that they are unable to meet the July deadline due to the demand being placed on the accreditation bodies to carry out the necessary assessments by this date. In these circumstances businesses should request that they are placed on the accreditation body waiting list to ensure the necessary requirements are obtained as soon as possible.
Businesses wishing to obtain information on CE Marking and whether they are affected by the changes can do so by contacting the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service enquiry team on 0845 607 8787 or by e-mailing scottishmas@scotent.co.uk
Further information relating to the funding available can be found at http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/improve-your-business-practices/funding-support-for-ce-marking/overview