Construction Products Regulation

Construction Products Regulation (305/2011/EU) and CPR Conformity Assessment Processes

In the modern construction industry, reliability, sustainability, and structural strength are strictly protected by legal regulations. Based on the European Union Regulation No. 305/2011/EU, the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) is the most critical legal framework governing the placement of construction products on the market, their safe use, and performance declaration processes.

In this guide, we will examine in detail all critical harmonized standards under the Construction Products Regulation, manufacturers’ legal obligations, CE marking steps, and the Declaration of Performance (DoP) processes.

1. What is the Construction Products Regulation (CPR)?

The Construction Products Regulation defines the essential characteristics that all materials intended for permanent use in construction and engineering works must meet. The main purpose of the regulation is to ensure that structures are built without posing a threat to human, animal, or environmental health.

To fall under this regulation, a product must meet the seven Basic Requirements for Construction Works (BWR):

1. Mechanical Resistance and Stability: The ability of the structure to withstand all loads and movements it may be subjected to.
2. Safety in Case of Fire: Limiting fire occurrence, preventing the spread of fire and smoke, and ensuring safe evacuation of occupants.
3. Hygiene, Health, and Environment: Preventing the release of toxic gases and the leakage of hazardous substances into the internal and external environment.
4. Safety in Use and Accessibility: Minimizing risks such as accidents, falls, impacts, or electric shocks during use.
5. Protection Against Noise: Ensuring comfort in living spaces by meeting sound insulation standards.
6. Energy Economy and Heat Retention: Ensuring high energy efficiency in heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
7. Sustainable Use of Natural Resources: Using environmentally friendly and durable materials in construction, demolition, and recycling processes.

2. Key Construction Materials and Harmonized Standards

The Construction Products Regulation classifies construction elements under European Standards (hEN) and European Assessment Documents (EAD). The most common product groups and related standards are as follows:

2.1. Steel and Aluminum Structural Applications (EN 1090-1)

Regulates the design and manufacturing requirements for steel structures, bridges, industrial facilities, and load-bearing metal components. Under EN 1090-1, manufacturers are required to establish a Factory Production Control (FPC) system, employ welding engineers, and approve Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS/PQR).

• EN 1090-1: Requirements for conformity assessment of structural components.
• EN 1090-2: Technical requirements for steel structures.
• EN 1090-3: Technical requirements for aluminum structures.

2.2. Structural Bolting Assemblies and Fasteners

Defines performance criteria for high-strength and preloaded/non-preloaded bolt assemblies used in steel structures.

• EN 14399-1: Preloaded high-strength structural bolting assemblies.
• EN 15048-1: Non-preloaded structural bolting assemblies.

2.3. Metallic Structural Materials and Steels

Standards controlling chemical and mechanical properties of hot-rolled steels, stainless steels, and alloy products used in structural applications.

• EN 10025-1: General technical delivery conditions for hot-rolled structural steels.
• EN 10088-4: Stainless steels for construction purposes.
• EN 15088: Aluminum and aluminum alloys for structural products.
• EN 10210-1: Hot-formed hollow structural sections.
• EN 10219-1: Cold-formed welded hollow structural sections.

2.4. Welding Consumables (EN 13479)

Regulates filler metals, electrodes, welding wires, and fluxes used in fusion welding of metallic materials, including mechanical strength, chemical composition, and quality criteria. Use of EN 13479-certified welding consumables is a legal requirement for structural steel fabrication.

3. System of Conformity Assessment (AVCP)

Depending on the risk level of construction products, the regulation defines five different systems of Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP). These systems define the responsibilities between the Notified Body and the manufacturer:

4. CE Certification and Declaration of Performance (DoP) Process

To legally place a construction product on the market and apply the CE marking, the manufacturer must complete the following steps:

Step 1: Determination of Applicable Standard

Identify the relevant harmonized standard (hEN) and AVCP system for the product.

Step 2: Establishment of Factory Production Control (FPC)

A quality management system is established to ensure traceability from raw material to final product, including testing and calibration processes.

Step 3: Type Testing

Initial type tests (ITT) are carried out in accredited laboratories or manufacturer facilities according to the AVCP system to determine product performance characteristics.

Step 4: Notified Body Inspection (If Required)

For products under Systems 1+, 1, and 2+, an accredited Notified Body performs on-site inspection of factory production control and issues a certificate of conformity.

Step 5: Preparation of Declaration of Performance (DoP)

The manufacturer prepares the Declaration of Performance (DoP), which confirms legal responsibility for the product. A CE marking cannot be applied without a DoP document.

[Declaration of Performance (DoP) Template Content]
- Declaration number and product code
- Intended use (e.g., structural steel fabrication)
- Manufacturer details and contact address
- AVCP system (e.g., System 2+)
- Harmonized standard number and year
- Declared performance characteristics (strength, weldability, etc.)

Step 6: CE Marking

The CE marking, prepared in accordance with the required format, is affixed to the product, packaging, or commercial documents.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Construction Products Regulation

Is CE marking mandatory under CPR?

Yes. All construction products covered by harmonized standards must undergo CPR procedures and carry CE marking to be legally placed on the market in Europe and Turkey.

How do I know which standard applies to my product?

Your product is evaluated by technical experts based on its intended use, manufacturing method, and material composition, and matched with the current harmonized standards list (NANDO database).

What is the difference between DoP and DoC?

In CPR, the Declaration of Performance (DoP) is used instead of the Declaration of Conformity (DoC). DoP must declare technical performance values such as fire resistance class and load-bearing capacity.

How often are Factory Production Control (FPC) audits conducted?

Generally, for Systems 1+, 1, and 2+, periodic surveillance audits are performed at least once a year by a Notified Body. Additional audits may be required in case of major production changes.

6. Why Should You Get Professional Certification Services?

Certification of construction materials requires advanced engineering expertise, accredited testing processes, and complex regulatory compliance. Incorrect testing or incomplete performance declarations may lead to product recalls, legal penalties, and reputational damage.

Our engineering and certification company provides end-to-end professional consultancy and technical support for EN 1090, EN 13479, EN 10025, and all construction product standards, including:

• Establishment of Factory Production Control (FPC) systems
• Preparation of Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS/PQR)
• Management and coordination of Notified Body processes
• Preparation of fully compliant Declaration of Performance (DoP) and CE marking design

We ensure that your products enter global markets safely and comply with all legal requirements with the support of our expert engineering team.