The European Commission has updated its website on voluntary CE marking (EOTA route) and for the first time provided detailed insights into the changes to the European Technical Assessment (ETA) procedure associated with the amended Construction Products Regulation (CPR). These changes, which concern the CE marking of construction products without harmonised standards, are to be applicable by the end of 2025. The amendment to the regulation was recently finalised by the European Parliament and the Council and is expected to come into force in 2024.

Focus on sustainability features

The updated CPR stipulates that new EADs (European Assessment Documents) must include sustainability features such as the Global Warming Potential (GWP). From 2029, further ecological indicators will be added in stages. However, existing EADs will be ‘grandfathered’ and remain valid until 2030, and ETAs based on them can be used until 2035 – unless they are replaced by harmonised standards.

No more CE marking based on old ETAGs

ETAGs that were created under the old Construction Products Directive may no longer be used under the new regulation; existing ETAs should be converted to the corresponding successor EADs. The German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt) offers support in this regard.

Challenges for the construction industry

A key task will be to add sustainability indicators to existing EADs, as no new ETAs can be issued without them. The European Organisation of Technical Assessment Bodies (EOTA) is working with the Commission on streamlined procedures and close coordination to facilitate this transition. The aim is to publish as many EADs as possible in the Official Journal of the EU in good time in order to create a broad basis for future CE labelling.

Further information and details can be found on the European Commission’s updated information page here. The German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt) also provides further information here (German only).

Source: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/construction/construction-products-regulation-cpr/voluntary-ce-marking-eota-route_en (last accessed 27 November 2024)