The European Construction Products Regulation 305/2011 (CPR) defines the regulations that must be upheld by manufacturers, importers and distributors in regard to placing construction products on the market and/or putting these into use within Europe, as well as in regard to the use of the CE marking. A construction product must comply with fundamental performance characteristics which consist of the following basic requirements:
- mechanical resistance and stability;
- safety in case of fire;
- hygiene, health and the environment;
- safety and accessibility in use;
- protection against noise pollution;
- energy economy and heat retention ;
- sustainable use of natural resources.
These requirements have been elaborated in technical specifications: European Harmonised Standards or European Assessment Documents (EAD). The determined performances will be included in a Declaration of Performance (DoP) and affixed to the construction product together with the CE marking. In addition to assessing performance, the manufacturer must implement and maintain an Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP) system, also known as a production control system .
Only manufacturers of construction products covered by a technical specification are required to affix a CE marking on their product and draw up a Declaration of Performance . This is not mandatory for manufacturers of other construction products. They may choose to carry out the CE certification procedure voluntarily by means of a European Technical Assessment (ETB).
