British Hallmarking Council updates EU guidance

The British Hallmarking Council has updated its guidance on hallmarking requirements from 1 January 2021, ahead of the UK’s exit from the EU.

The council said that obligations to recognise equivalent EU hallmarks will end in Great Britain. EU hallmarks will continue to be recognised in theNorthern Ireland market, however, by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act.

Products already on the market before January 2021 will still be legal, under the same legislation. 

However, the question of the length of time this will be effective has not yet been determined, according to the council. 

In light of this, it said it may be good practice to maintain records demonstrating that items being sold were on the market prior to 1 January 2021.

In addition, any new stock entering the Great Britain market will require a UK national hallmark or an International Convention hallmark, while any new stock exported to EU member states will require a mark recognised by those countries.

The BHC will send further updates on developments when they become available.