CE

The CE marking is the manufacturer’s official declaration that their product complies with the applicable European directives and regulations concerning safety, health, and environmental protection. In the case of construction products, CE marking is mandatory and allows for their free movement in the single European market, ensuring that they meet the requirements of the European Construction Products Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 – CPR).

Compliance of construction products with European requirements is verified through harmonized European standards (hENs) issued by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and then adopted by national bodies, such as the Hellenic Organization for Standardization (ELOT) in Greece.

CE marking is mandatory for all manufacturers of construction products intended for the European Union market and covered by Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 (CPR). It applies to businesses that manufacture, process, or distribute products such as aggregates, concrete, asphalt mixtures, reinforcement steel, bricks, tiles, insulation materials, frames, waterproofing products, and many others. Manufacturers who do not comply with the requirements and do not have CE marking on their products cannot legally place them on the EU market.

The process of obtaining CE marking for a construction product involves specific steps:

1. Identification of requirements: The manufacturer identifies the applicable legal requirements and the harmonized standards relevant to the product. They then compile the Technical File, which includes critical information such as product description, drawings, technical specifications, compliance references, and test results.
2. Factory Production Control (FPC): Depending on the product category, conformity assessment may require establishing a Factory Production Control (FPC) system or implementing a Quality Management System to ensure consistent compliance of all produced goods.
3. Testing and inspections: For certain categories of construction products, the process involves testing the products in accredited laboratories and undergoing inspections by a Notified Body, which evaluates conformity and issues the relevant certification when required.
4. Declaration of Performance (DoP): After successful completion of the process, the manufacturer obtains the right to affix the CE marking to their product and to issue a Declaration of Performance (DoP), declaring that the product meets all legal requirements.

The level of complexity depends on the type of construction product, its technical characteristics, and the requirements of the applicable standard. For products with strict technical requirements, conformity assessment may involve extensive testing and certifications by Notified Bodies, making the process more demanding.

Collaboration with an experienced consultant can help ensure that all requirements are met and that technical harmonization is completed in a timely and efficient manner. Moreover, CE compliance can be combined with a quality management system (such as ISO 9001) to reinforce product reliability and quality.

For industrial products where CE marking is mandatory, it demonstrates the manufacturer’s compliance with legislative requirements and is an essential prerequisite for the lawful circulation of the product in the EU market. Additional reasons that motivate businesses to obtain CE marking include:

• Enhancing product reliability
• Reducing production errors
• Attracting customers seeking certified products
• Providing safer products to consumers

The time required to obtain CE marking depends on factors such as the type of product, the level of technical harmonization needed, and the required testing. For products already meeting the relevant specifications, with testing completed quickly, the process may take from 1 to 3 months. More complex products may require additional time for conformity, especially when testing by Notified Bodies is needed.