CPR notified body services - BASEC Brexit update

The United Kingdom and the European Union continue to negotiate the exit of the UK from the EU. Negotiations are progressing and both the UK and the EU continue to work hard to seek a positive deal. Whilst the intention for an agreement, including a transition period until December 2020 is clear, until full agreement is reached there remains some uncertainty so BASEC has implemented the following contingencies in the event of a no-deal.

Guidance on the EU New Approach system for regulated products states that manufacturers can seek to arrange for their files to be transferred to an EU-recognised notified body (NB), to allow for certificates of conformity issued by a UK-based notified body to continue to be valid, as under a no-deal Brexit scenario bodies located in the UK are likely to lose this status. New arrangements would also be needed for products entering the UK after Brexit.

As per our earlier communication to protect BASEC’s customers we have established a legal entity in Europe called BASEC Conformity Limited, and we are progressing well through the regulatory process with INAB (Irish National Accreditation Board) to be an EU notified body regardless of the negotiation outcome. As this is ongoing, in addition to this as a further contingency BASEC has been working with another European notified body on fostering a closer working relationship.

BASEC has reached an agreement that in the unlikely ‘no deal’ scenario, combined with the INAB approval being delayed, that our customers’ existing CPR testing, FPC history and documentation will be revalidated by another European notified body. Our aim through this route is to eliminate the need for the submission of new samples, repeat testing or introducing delays. Current and future projects will be able to continue unaffected. Ongoing FPC audits and future testing will be conducted in collaboration with this NB, should a no-deal Brexit occur. BASEC wishes these changes to be implemented at minimal disruption or cost to customers and will be proactive in assisting customers throughout the process.

BASEC will be monitoring the progress of UK/EU negotiations closely over the next few weeks, plus continue towards finalising INAB approval. Once the likely way forward becomes clearer, BASEC will provide further communication and write to each customer outlining their individual approach, as to the next steps and timescales.