SGS Supports Manufacturers to Prepare 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 is experienced in helping clients to attain the CE mark for construction products and will therefore support manufacturers of construction products in their preparation for the new Construction Product Regulation.

To support the free movement and use of construction products in the international market and to achieve quality and safety in building and construction works, the European Union (EU) adopted the Construction Products Directive (CPD) for the harmonization of construction products standards in 1988. The visible manifestation of compliance with this directive is the appearance of the CE mark on the product.

The CPD offers many advantages but also some complications occur. As the CPD has to be implemented in the national regulation of each member state before it comes into force, it 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.

For this reason, the European Commission is proposing to replace the current Construction Products Directive 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 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.

What Are the Benefits?

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, sustainability information on the environmental performance of a construction product will have to be provided by the manufacturer.

How can SGS Support Manufacturers?

As a notified Body, SGS Industrial Services is able to encourage 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. Besides, the necessary sustainability information will be provided to manufacturers.

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.

The SGS Group is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With 59,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,000 offices and laboratories around the world.

SGS Industrial Services

1, place des Alpes
1211 Geneva
Switzerland

Dr. Ulbert Hofstra
SGS-Intron
SR. Consultant

t: +31 46 42 04 204
f: +31 46 45 29 060
Email : industrial.pr@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/industrial

This release was published on openPR.