How do CA & CE Marking affect balcony design?

CA & CE Marking Key Points

• Read BS EN 1090
• Typically buildings require EXC 2 compliance
• Balconies and balustrades are included
• Mandatory compliance started 01/07/2014
• Changes in 2023: The transition from CE marking to UKCA gained momentum with shifts in regulatory landscapes.
• Sapphire’s Factories in both England and Ireland have committed to dual marking, upholding both CE and UKCA standards.

What is CE Marking?

CE marking is the European Economic Area (EEA) mandatory mark to indicate a product meets harmonised (BS EN) Standards. It shows that manufacturers check products comply with standards and allows free movement within the EEA. The letters “CE” are the abbreviation of the French phrase “Conformité Européene” which literally means “European Conformity”

How do CA & CE Marking affect balconies?

On 1st July 2014, it became mandatory in the UK to comply with BS EN 1090 (Steel and aluminium structures). It is now a legal requirement to CE mark such products.

This indicates compliance with the Construction Product Regulation (CPR) and that they have come from organisations with Factory Production Control (FPC) Qualifications and a Welding Quality Management System (WQMS) where appropriate. Typically, this requires organisations to have suitable systems for enabling traceability, have independently tested weld procedures in place, along with an appointed Responsible Weld Coordinator (RWC) suitable trained and qualified.

For the majority of buildings constructed in the UK, Execution Class two (EXC2) will be the appropriate requirement. Where no Execution Class is specified, Clause 4.1.2 of BS EN 1090-2 states that EXC2 shall apply. The Execution Class is the sole responsibility of the Structural Engineer. However, EN 1090 states “the engineer should avoid over-specification of the Execution Class wherever possible to avoid unnecessary costs being introduced. However EN 1090 states ‘the engineer should avoid over-specification…traceability requirement of EXC2’.

There was originally much confusion as to whether BS EN 1090 included balustrades and privacy screens. The CEN issued document N738 on 29/5/2015 which confirms balustrades and privacy screens do fall within BS EN 1090 when forming an edge guarding or are an integral part of a structure.

However, the Trading Standards advice (the authority which enforces compliance) has differed from this, suggesting that it does not deem balconies to fall within the scope of BS EN 1090.

Updates on CA & CE Marking and Introduction of UKCA

On 1st August 2023, the Department for Business and Trade heralded major changes around the CE marking’s standing in Great Britain. The UK government expressed an intention to perpetuate the CE marking’s recognition for most GB-intended goods beyond December 2024.

Exceptions abound, particularly with medical devices, construction products, and a few other categories. For a comprehensive list and details, click here.

Implications for Construction Products and Balconies

While construction products are at the core of our operations, the recent proclamations have negligible direct impact. The UK persists in acknowledging both CE and UKCA markings until 30th June 2025. Beyond this date, European-bound products must bear the CE marking, whereas UK-bound ones should have the UKCA marking. More on this topic can be found here.

Navigating the Transition and Implications for the Future

The evolving product marking and certification terrains, although intricate, shouldn’t be a source of concern for our clients. With our factories strategic locations, coupled with dual certifications, we’re well-equipped to serve clients across the UK and mainland Europe seamlessly.

For any lingering uncertainties or queries about this transition and its bearing on our offerings, we stand ready to help. Our aim remains unwavering: ensuring a smooth experience for all stakeholders, regardless of the regulatory backdrop.

For more on the UK Government’s announcements, click here.

We use a broad supply chain of carefully chosen companies certified to varying classes specified in BS EN1090. This ensures all relevant CE marking requirements can be fulfilled. Coupled with Sapphire’s strategic factory locations in both England and Ireland and their dual certifications, we’re well-equipped to serve clients across the UK and mainland Europe seamlessly. Our dual certification approach is designed to bring compliance irrespective of the chosen destination within the EU or the UK.

How Do CA & CE Marking Affect Balconies in North America and Elsewhere in the World?

While CE and UKCA markings dictate standards and compliance within Europe and the UK respectively, their application is geographically specific. For instance, if a balcony destined for Ireland is manufactured in the UK, these markings become relevant. However, for balconies fabricated and installed within other jurisdictions, such as one manufactured in Ontario for Canada or one crafted in New Zealand for local installation, the CE and UKCA markings hold no regulatory bearing. Such regions possess their unique standards and compliance certifications, detached from the European and UK systems.

For any lingering uncertainties or queries about this transition, its global implications, and its bearing on our offerings, we stand ready to help. Our aim remains unwavering: ensuring a smooth experience for all stakeholders, regardless of the regulatory backdrop.

For more on the UK Government’s announcements, click here.