CE marking construction products

Where should the CE marking be applied? 

The production, marketing and distribution of all construction materials is subject to mandatory and constantly evolving legislative provisions.

Currently the legal instrument that regulates the European construction industry is the Construction Products Regulation [CPR (EU) 305/2011] which replaced, from 1 July 2013 the Construction Products Directive [CPD 89 / 106 / EEC].

The Construction Products Regulation, starting from the principles of the Construction Products Directive, introduces novelties, clarifications, simplifications and obligations for the various economic operators (manufacturers, agents, distributors, importers) operating in the European Construction Products market.

Only if they comply with the requirements of EU Regulation No. 305/2011 and the Harmonized Technical Standards, construction materials and products can be CE marked and placed on the market in the countries of the European Economic Area (even if produced outside the EU territory).

The objective of the regulation is to ensure the quality and safety of construction products, with particular attention to the protection of workers' health, consumers and the environment, through the compliance of construction products to the minimum requirements set and valid for all countries of the European Economic Area.

Specifically, to protect the end user, the following seven essential requirements must be respected (see Annex I of the CPR):

1. Mechanical resistance and stability;

2. Safety in case of fire;

3. Hygiene, health and environment;

4. Safety and accessibility in use;

5. Protection against noise;

6. Energy conservation and heat retention;

7. Sustainable use of natural resources

The CPR establishes that the Declaration of Performance (DoP) is the key document that, together with the Mark, attests to product conformity and successful Marking.

The Declaration of Performance provides designers and manufacturers with the information they need to establish that a given product meets the minimum requirements "when properly installed, maintained, and used for its intended purpose."

The information that the manufacturer must provide in the CE Marking is outlined in the CE harmonized technical specifications.