For manufacturers' products to be compatible and uniformly
acceptable in the European market, there exists a process for
harmonising technical specifications. These specifications are known
as harmonised European product standards (hENs), produced and
administered by the Comite' Europe'en de Normalisation (CEN).
European Technical Approvals (ETAs) are also acceptable where
issued by the European Organisation for Technical Approvals
(EOTA). These standards are not a harmonisation of regulations.
Whether or not the technical specification satisfies regional and
national regulations is for local determination. However, for
commercial purposes a technical specification should cover the
performance characteristics required by regulations established by
any member state in the European Economic Area (EEA).
CPD harmonises:
- methods and criteria for testing
- methods for declaring product performance
- methods and measures of conformity assessment
UK attestation accredited bodies include: BBA, BRE and BSI.
CE mark † a marking or labelling for conforming products. A
`passport' permitting a product to be legally marketed in any EEA.
It is not a quality mark, e.g. BS Kitemark, but where appropriate
this may appear with the CE marking.
CE marking † reproduced with kind permission of Rockwool Ltd.
Construction Products Directive (CPD)