Navigating the Post-Brexit PPE Supply Chain - Arco Publishes an Expert Guide to Ensure Compliance

Following the UK's exit from the EU and the transition period finishing at the end of December 2020, new rules for businesses came into effect on 1 January 2021. For many businesses, the challenges of adapting to the changes may seem overwhelming, particularly for those buying PPE, who want to ensure the products they purchase meet the required standards.

With its experience of the global supply chain, expertise in PPE regulations and standards and in-depth knowledge of product compliance and quality assurance Arco, the UK's leading safety company, is in the unique position to advise its customers on the changes. The company has created an Expert Advice sheet which includes essential information for those purchasing PPE, guiding them through changes in Regulations, the Standards and assessment bodies and providing an overview of the introduction of the new UKCA marking. Arco also advises on the transitional arrangements in place for existing manufactured products and CE marked products.

The Guide also covers key aspects of the new UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking, that will be placed on products as a means of showing conformance with the relevant UK legislation, it will become Great Britain's equivalent of the CE mark. Category I PPE will remain self-certified however, Category II and III PPE for sale in Great Britain will need a UKCA certificate from a UK Conformity Assessment Body. (Or a CE mark during the transitional period). Arco's Expert Advice sheet summarises the essential information that those purchasing PPE will need to know and explains:

• Geographical regions
• Where to look for a UKCA marking
• Relevant dates and timeline from January 2021

Neil Hewitt, Arco's Divisional Director Quality and Technical Standards, says:

"With 2020 dominated by the UK's response to the Corona virus - pandemic, our exit from the EU has dropped down the news agenda but there are some critical changes to deal with and businesses buying and producing PPE need to be prepared. Our expert Advice Guide is designed to help all business get a better understanding of their obligations, to make sure conformity is guaranteed and that people remain safe at work."