BRE Global Turns Up Heat On Cable CE Marking As 2017 Deadline Looms

Manufacturers risk losing out on trade opportunities with Europe without appropriate CE marking for their cable products, says BRE Global, the UK leader in fire, security and environmental testing and certification of construction products.

The warning comes with just months to go to the 1st July 2017 deadline when CE marking becomes mandatory for power, control and communication cables placed on the European market. “Despite market uncertainty following BREXIT, CE marking will remain a prerequisite for any manufacturer, importer and/or distributor wishing to sell their cable within the European Union,” stated Damien Ward, senior cable certification manager at BRE Global. With the publication of EN 50575, the EU’s harmonised product standard for power, control and communication cables for permanent use in buildings, manufacturers entered a window of transition to comply with regulation. But despite a deadline extension from December 2016 to July 2017, some manufacturers are still holding back, either daunted by the process or hesitant in the current state of uncertainty following the Brexit vote.

“Once EN 50575 was officially cited, many cable manufacturers were quick off the mark to submit their products,” said Mr Ward whose cables team has successfully tested and classified a wide range of products. “But time is ticking for anyone who has not yet acted, especially those with extensive ranges or going for the higher performance classes which, though more involved, will maximise trading opportunities. The sooner manufacturers start the process, the sooner they will be able to capitalise on their CE marking in Europe.”