With the deadline for the UKCA certification process now having been pushed to 30 June 2025, it is asking manufacturers of structural timber fasteners and fixings to start getting products tested amidst a shortage of approved testing facilities in the UK.

Accredited testing to enable UKCA marking can only be issued by an approved body listed on the UK government’s database.

Under the UK Construction Products Regulation, from 30 June 2025, manufacturers of structural timber fasteners and fixings within the scope of the UK Designated Standard BS EN 14592 must successfully complete the testing process by a UK-based laboratory for any product to be placed in the UK market.

This also applies to any products undergoing a change in specification.

Ben Sharples, commercial lead at BM TRADA and sister company to Warringtonfire, said: “UKCA marking is very important for the construction industry, as it symbolises that the product being used conforms to the relevant standard and is a mark of integrity.

“It is very important that fasteners and fixings manufacturers do not get lulled into a false sense of security with this extended deadline on UKCA marking.

He adds: “There are only a few UKAS-accredited bodies in the UK that can test fasteners and fixings, of which Warringtonfire is one of them, that will then allow you to go on and achieve UKCA certification.

“Manufacturers need to be aware that any products on the UK market after June 2025 will need to have this testing completed.

“This goes for products undergoing a change in their specification too. For instance, fasteners and fixings that have a change in design or coatings will also need to be re-tested to gain the UKCA marking and confirm their stated performance.”