These Regulations establish a domestic enforcement mechanism allowing the Secretary of State to require specified retail goods to carry an individual marking when placed on the GB market. This supports continued trade flows to Northern Ireland where EU SPS labelling requirements might otherwise restrict distribution. It forms part of the UK’s implementation of the Windsor Framework and includes provisions for exemptions, enforcement, and periodic review.
The Marking of Retail Goods Regulations 2025 respond to situations where goods might be withdrawn from the Northern Ireland market due to EU labelling rules. When such risks are identified, the Secretary of State can issue a marking notice requiring those goods to carry a clear label (e.g. “Not for EU”) when sold in Great Britain. The regime allows for exemptions (e.g. for small companies or specialist goods) and includes a compliance and enforcement framework involving improvement notices and fixed monetary penalties.
Benefits of compliance:
