Any construction product within the European Economic Area (EEA) must comply with the EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR), also known as the Construction Products Regulation. This law states that all products traded or sold in Europe must bear a CE mark, when a harmonized standard exists for this product. A CE mark indicates that a product complies with the regulation. It does not necessarily mean that a product will be suitable for all end uses, but it does indicate that the product is consistent with its Declaration of Performance (DoP), as made by the manufacturer.
A construction product with CE marking can be traded throughout the EEA. European States may not prevent this or impose additional requirements.
What does the new EU CPR mean for importers, distributors and manufacturers?
The manufacturer of a product that requires CE-marking, is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the product meets all requirements. The manufacturer needs to ensure that all evidence is available and presented in the correct way. This includes the application of a CE-label on the product and the distribution of the DoP.
Importers and/or distributors must ensure that construction products, where required, bear the CE mark and are accompanied by the correct documentation, instructions and safety information. Distributors must also ensure that the manufacturer and the importer have complied with their requirements under the Construction Products Directive. Achieving compliance can be a complex process.
Ensure CPR and Documentation Compliance
We are a Notified Body (NoBo) under the CPR and our CE-marking guidance, testing and conformity assessment services provide you with the expertise you need to achieve compliance. We prepare clients to qualify for the CE mark for construction products under the current CPR.
Our notifications cover a wide range of harmonized European norms and we can help you with:
- Determining which harmonized European norms are applicable to your construction product
- Providing Factory Production Control certification
- Formal initial type testing for a selected number of products as a Notified Testing Laboratory
Factory Production Control (FPC) Certification
An important document for many CE-marked products is a so-called FPC Certificate. We can provide FPC certification, which covers quality control of procedures and inspections of a product. Following a successful audit by a NoBo, the manufacturer will receive an FPC certificate which indicates compliance with the European standard for the procedures and inspections.
The CPR distinguishes four different levels of control regarding CE marking. The level of control is indicated per standard. An FPC Certificate is only required for the two highest levels. In many standards one level of control is prescribed. In others a level may be selected by the manufacturer or is dependent on a specific use.
SGS is a NoBo authorized to perform FPC audits. We can also help to determine which level is applicable and provide information on performance and/or the required FPC certificate.
Why choose CE Marking services from SGS?
As the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, we offer you unrivaled experience in the construction industry. Our Notified Bodies possess the necessary competence and responsibility to assist during the whole process of obtaining CE marking or just part of it. As a result, we can provide product certification, factory production control certification and laboratory testing in accordance with the requirements of the CPR.
To discuss how we can help you improve quality and efficiency, contact us today.