CE Marking
CE marking was introduced into the construction industry via the Construction Products Directive (CPD) to ensure free circulation and use of construction products across Europe and to achieve a consistent, pan-European method of declaring a product’s properties and performance. It has, until now, been voluntary in the UK.
The European Commission has recently replaced the CPD with the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). Unlike the Directive, the Regulation is an EC law directly applicable to all Member States and has accordingly been adopted by the UK Government.
After the main provisions of the CPR become effective on 1st July 2013, it will be mandatory for products which fall within the scope of certain agreed European standards (called Harmonised European Standards or hENs) to bear CE marking before they can be placed on the market in any EU (European Free Trade Association – EFTA) country. For products which fall outside the scope of the hENs, CE marking will still be achievable voluntarily via European Technical Assessments (ETAs). The BBA has been designated by the UK Government to issue ETAs.
For manufacturers, specifiers, users and building control personnel, this raises queries, such as:
- what is CE Marking?
- how does CE Marking affect my product?
- how do I achieve CE marking for my product(s)?
- where do I get the CE marking from?
- do I have to specify products with CE marking?
- can I only use products with CE marking?
Throughout Europe CE marking will become increasingly important and will supersede national schemes in many product areas. BBA Certificates will complement CE marking and will remain as the medium for providing specifiers, users and building control personnel in the UK with the relevant information on a wide-range of products.
Visit the BBA website to learn more about CE marking and how the BBA can help you.
Information Updated on: 31 January 2012
