SGS Supports Manufacturers in Preparing for the New Construction Product Regulation (CPR)

The European Commission is proposing to replace the current Construction Products Directive with a new Construction Product Regulation (CPR). SGS, with its appropriate knowledge, expertise and long-term testing experience in helping clients to attain the CE mark for construction products, will support manufacturers of construction products in their preparation for the new Construction Product Regulation and to fulfil all requirements of the new CPR.

To achieve quality and safety in building and construction works and to foster the free movement and use of construction products in the international market, the European Union (EU) adopted the Construction Products Directive (CPD) for the harmonization of construction products standards in 1988. The CPD lays down certain essential performance criteria for buildings under six general headings: mechanical resistance and stability, safety in case of fire, hygiene health and environment, safety in use, protection against noise and energy economy including heat retention.

The visible manifestation of compliance with this directive is the appearance of the CE mark on the product. CE (Conformité Européenne) Marking provides assurance to regulators, clients and all parties in the construction chain that a product with CE mark complies with the essential requirements laid down by the CPD. Despite the fact that the CPD offers many advantages, some complications also occur. As the CPD has to be implemented in the national regulation of each member state before it comes into force, the CPD encompasses large differences among the member states.
Furthermore, the required new procedures, testing and certifications are experienced as complex and time-consuming by affected companies. Therefore, the European Commission is proposing to replace the current CPD with a new Construction Product Regulation (CPR). The goals of this regulation are the same as those of the CPD but the revision aims to attain these goals more easily, more transparently, more efficiently and at lower costs. The new CPR would retain many of the core elements of the CPD but also includes new benefits and emphases.

What is new?

The new CPR would restore more confidence by better defining the objectives of Community legislation and making the implementation easier by providing clearer and simpler mechanisms specifically designed to alleviate the administrative burden for enterprises. Moreover, the CPR works directly and does not have to be implemented in national regulations thus avoiding national differences. Furthermore, the CPR will enforce a common technical language to support the definition of harmonized conditions for the marketing of construction products and clear terms for access to CE marking. In addition to the six general requirements defined in the CPD, sustainability information on the environmental performance of the construction product will have to be provided by the manufacturer.The European Commission’s proposal is currently under the scrutiny of the advisory bodies of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union and is anticipated to become legally binding at the beginning of 2013.

How can SGS help?

SGS Industrial Services is a Notified Body and therefore able to support manufacturers of construction products to prepare for the new CPR and to comply with all requirements of the new CPR. The CE consultants at SGS know exactly what is necessary and what is not required in order to attain the CE mark for construction products. SGS will also support manufacturers by providing the necessary sustainability information.SGS Industrial Services has the relevant knowledge, expertise and long-term testing experience to help clients attain the Certificate of Conformity for Europe for construction products. From the preliminary investigation and interpreting of directives, up to and including the application of the CE Marking, SGS experts can assist during the whole process of obtaining the CE marking or just part of it. SGS offers concrete, practical suggestions as well as advice and guidance.


About SGS Industrial Services

SGS Industrial Services is one of the Business Lines of the SGS Group, a global service provider for technical verification, inspection, testing and conformity assessment, instilling confidence in clients. SGS Industrial Services is a Notified Body for most European directives and has the necessary accreditations and experience to provide inspection and certification services for various markets and countries.