Construction Products Regulation CPR
The Construction Products Regulation 2011 (CPR) is a European Union (EU) regulation harmonising performance information on construction products across the EU. It is made most visible by the mandatory CE marking of regulated products.
CE stands for Communauté Européenne or is sometimes taken to stand for Conformité Européenne. CE marking signifies that a product complies with relevant safety, health or environmental regulations across the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the member states of the EU and the European Free Trade Association countries; Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Some parts of the Construction Products Regulation applied from 24 April 2011, but it came into force in full on 1 July 2013. From this time, construction products placed on the market in the EEA that are covered by a harmonised European product standard or a European Technical Assessment will need to be CE marked and accompanied by a Declaration of Performance (DoP).
This is intended to ensure that reliable technical information is provided about the performance of construction products in a common technical language and tested using consistent assessment methods. This consistency should enable designers and specifiers to compare the performance of products more easily.
The CE mark denotes the publication of information on:
- Safety.
- Testing criteria
- Fire resistance.
- Mechanical resistance and stability.
- User instructions, including hygiene and environmental instructions.
- Protection against noise.
- Energy, economy and heat retention.
- Sustainable use of natural resources.
- Handling instructions.
- Storage recommendations.
- Maintenance.
- Warranties.
- Dealerships.
Demonstrating compliance with the regulation requires an 'attestation of conformity' (AoC). There are 5 levels of attestation of conformity depending on the nature of the product. See Attestation of conformity for more information.
The CPR does not harmonise the building regulations or recommend the suitability of products appropriate for a project, responsibility for which remains with designers and specifiers.
NB: From 1 July 2014, the Construction Products Regulations make CE marking mandatory for fabricated steelwork and aluminium structures.
[edit] No-deal Brexit contingency
On 18 December 2018, the government laid a statutory instrument to ensure a functioning CPR regime when the UK leaves the European Union. This statutory instrument delivers the policy approach set out in a technical notice published on 13 September 2018. Ref https://www.gov.uk/government/news/continuity-of-requirements-under-the-construction-products-regulation-when-the-uk-leaves-the-european-union
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Accreditation body.
- ASTM International.
- Attestation of conformity.
- BBA becomes an Approved Body for UKCA Marking.
- Brexit standards, products and regulatory updates.
- British Board of Agrément.
- Building regulations.
- CE marking.
- Construction Products Regulation if there is no Brexit deal.
- Deadline for CE marked products extended to 1 January 2023.
- Energy related products regulations.
- European Technical Approval.
- Fire dampers.
- Kitemark.
- Manufacturer.
- Manufacturer’s certificate.
- Product manufacturers must regain confidence.
- Quality control.
- Setting the standard.
- Specification.
- Standards.
- Sundry items.
- The Construction Industry Council summarises what to expect from the Construction Products Regulations.
- Third party accreditation.
- UK Conformity Assessed UKCA.
- Underwriters Laboratories UL.
- United Kingdom Accreditation Service UKAS.
- Water Regulations Advisory Scheme WRAS.
[edit] External references
- CM magazine, Standard regulations, Dr Ali Arasteh.
- Construction Products Association, CPR.
- UK Government: CE marking.
- BSi, Construction Products Regulation, guidance.
Featured articles and news
COP28 and the Path Ahead for Industry
The last few days, but action needed over the next decade.
Finalists for 2024 CIOB Awards revealed
80 construction leaders and companies from across the UK.
Promoting the importance of building and fire safety.
Health and Safety Training for Construction Employers
A brief run through essential training tips from a user.
3D Laser Scanning in Building Construction
A comprehensive guide from a Cohesive BIM wiki user.
BIM for structural reinforcement modelling
From the basics to the future from our Cohesive BIM wiki.
ECA skills recharge at the House of Commons
As electrical sector feels skills shortage bite.
The impact of pandemic and new legislation on courses
CIOB Academy’s course take-up inked to external factors.
An artist, philanthropist and ex-Army helicopter pilot
Q and A with self-representing artist, Hannah Shergold.
Building Safety Regulator appoints permanent director
And publishes three-year strategic plan.
Update on the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS)
Introducing changes to make it more effective from 2024.
2023 CIOB photography competition
Shortlist announced for 2023 public choice award vote.
The last of the Victorians. Book review.
Grimsby's Kasbah: where’s that?
An exotic name that is shrouded in mystery.
This weeks guest editor, Ankita Dwivedi of Firstplanit.
From practice to research and the business of materials.