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Business Companion has updated guides on UKCA marking and fuel sales.

Traders based in England, Scotland and Wales who import, manufacture or sell certain goods and are unsure about how and where UKCA markings should be displayed, can now check their legal responsibilities thanks to updated guidance from Business Companion.

Following Brexit, certain products – such as electronic goods, toys and cosmetics – must clearly display the UKCA logo in place of the CE logo used throughout the European Economic Area (EEA). While the CE mark will still be recognised in the UK until 1 January 2023, businesses are advised to ensure that they use the UKCA mark on new products so as to avoid being penalised next year.

Products placed on the market in Northern Ireland have been obliged to use the UKNI mark since the Northern Ireland Protocol came into effect on 1 January 2021.

The guidance, written by Trading Standards experts and updated to reflect changes in legislation, is designed to be a one-stop reference point for businesses looking for up-to-date and authoritative information written in plain English. In addition to summarising the key points of the law, it contains links to the full UK Government legislation which sets out the full technical requirements of UKCA marking.

Fuel sales

In addition to the new UKCA guidance, this month Business Companion has also released a new guide on the sale of petrol and diesel from forecourts. Businesses in England, Scotland and Wales who sell liquid fuels have a specific duty to ensure that the fuel is stored safely and sold according to accurate pricing meters.

The new guidance explains the basics of how liquid fuels are measured and dispensed, as well as details of pricing rules and other responsibilities retailers have by law.

It also contains useful links to trade associations and full details of the relevant legislation.

While it has been created specifically for businesses, Business Companion is an invaluable resource for those working in enforcement who need to check an aspect of consumer law quickly, as well as members of the public who are unsure of their rights in a specific area. It contains a wide array of guides on a broad variety of subjects. Published by CTSI with the support of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Business Companion is free, easy to use and accessible to all.