Timescale

Now you have a better understanding of what changes will be brought in, it would be handy to know when these regulations will begin to apply.

Timescale for implementing changes

The two-year transition period began on 21st April 2016, but would not be officially applied until 21st April 2018.

Owing to a repeal, for 12 months (until 21st April 2019) new products can be placed on the market. At this point, anything which is made accessible will be governed by these new laws.

The 21st of April 2018 is also the date from which all five-year validity certificates come into effect. This means they will expire on 21st April 2023. For now, the most important dates to remember are:

Secondary sources

We’ve covered a lot here, but if you want to brush up more on what to expect with these changes, look at these secondary sources.

DGUV Test provide some useful FAQs regarding the changes.

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The European Union provide documentation on the regulation changes.

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The European Commission guidelines for the original legislation.

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