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FORTHCOMING changes to the European Construction Products Directive (CPD) were discussed at a recent conference organised by the European Group of Organisations for Fire Testing Inspection and Certification, and the European Association for Passive Fire Protection.
The event, which was held in June, proved timely given that the European Commission (EC) is now finalising its proposals for revising the CPD.
The debate highlighted that, while the process of CE marking construction products has been challenging, the system is now understood and accepted.
However, speakers identified a number of improvements that could be made to the Directive, which the EC is considering as it develops its proposals.
In particular, speakers suggested that, although no major changes to the existing system should be made, there is a need to: simplify the process of obtaining CE marking; establish common European procedures for notification of certification, inspection and testing bodies; strengthen the role of notified bodies so that all follow agreed procedures in their attestation procedures; and set up a system of market surveillance.
The revision to the CPD comes after the EC carried out a consultation exercise last year on the effectiveness of the Directive. The Commission is currently drawing up a Construction Products Regulation to make the revision.
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