Manufacturer’s certificate
Manufacturer’s certificates can be used to ensure quality control, and to verify standards of construction products and workmanship. Third parties test quality characteristics of the manufacturer’s products and provide certification.
Below are a number of different types of quality certificates:
- Certificate of origin: In this case, the certificate states that the product complies with some specifications.
- Accredited laboratory test certificate: The sort of test is performed only on a small sample, and so cannot guarantee all production. They should be used with caution due to their limited scope.
- Product type approval certificate: This approves a prototype and therefore does not guarantee the quality of the subsequent manufacturing process.
- Standard compliance seal or mark: This covers continual production and so it is more reliable than other certificates. When the product is very new and there is no specific standard to regulate it, the certificate is issued in the form of technical suitability documentation.
- The British Board of Agrément (BBA) is an independent UK organisation that offers an approval service for construction products, systems and installers. An agrément certificate is issued for a successful product or system following a detailed assessment including both laboratory testing and inspections. In addition, the manufacturer is audited to ensure they have an adequate quality management system. Repeated testing is undertaken for the duration of the certificate’s validity period.
- The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) was introduced in 2011 to harmonise performance information on construction products across the European Economic Area (EEA). It is made most visible by the mandatory CE marking of regulated products.
- A Kitemark indicates that the product has been independently tested by BSI to confirm that it complies with relevant British Standards, and that BSI have licensed the product manufacturer to use the Kitemark. Manufacturers have to pay to have their products and manufacturing processes tested, and these tests are repeated regularly to confirm continued compliance.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Agrément certificate.
- British Board of Agrément.
- Certificates in the construction industry.
- Construction Products Regulation.
- Design quality.
- Fitness for purpose in construction.
- Kitemark.
- Manufacturer.
- Quality control for construction works.
- Specification.
- Technical specification.
- Testing construction materials.
- Warranty.
- Workmanship.
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).