The construction industry is facing the most significant change for a decade in the way in which construction products are sold in Europe. From 1 July 2013, under the Construction Products Regulation 2011 (CPR), it will become mandatory for manufacturers to apply CE marking to any of their products which are covered by a harmonized European standard (hEN) or European Technical Assessment (ETA).

The CPR builds upon the CPD and aims to break down technical barriers to trade in construction products within the European Economic Area (EEA). To achieve this, the CPR provides for four main elements:
1. A system of harmonized technical specifications
2. An agreed system of conformity assessment for each product family
3. A framework of notified bodies
4. CE marking of products

The CPR harmonizes the methods of assessment and teset, the means of declaration of product performance and the system of conformity assessment of construction products, but NOT national building regulations. The choice of required values for the particular intended use is left to the regulators and public/private sector procurers at the national level. However, such required values must be expressed in a consistent manner (technical language) as used in the harmonized technical specifications.

Construction products should meet seven basic requirements for construction works. These cover:
1. Mechanical resistance and stability
2. Safety in case of fire
3. Hygiene, health and environment
4. Safety and accessibility in use
5. Protection against noise
6. Energy economy and heat retention
7. Sustainable use of natural resources.

By making a DoP the manufacturer, importer or distributor is assuming legal responsibility for the conformity of the construction product with its declared performance. DoPs must be publicly available.

Construction products which have been placed on the market and have the CE marking affixed in accordance with the CPD before 1 July 2013 are deemed to comply with the CPR. A manufacturer may draw up a DoP（Declaration of Performance） on the basis of a Certificate of Conformity or a Declaration of Conformity which has been issued before 1 July 2013.

TEL: +86 25-8658 3475   +86 400 666 7290
Website: www.hksmartps.com   www.cprce.com
Email: info@hksmartps.com

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