Scope
CPR 305/2011 & Harmonised Standards
Testing for Construction Products
Construction products sold in the EU must carry CE marking under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). This requires testing against harmonised European standards (hENs) for properties like fire reaction, mechanical resistance, thermal performance, and durability. The specific tests depend on the product type and its intended use in the built environment.
Testing
Required Test Methods
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EN 13501 fire classification?
EN 13501-1 classifies construction products by their reaction to fire, from A1 (non-combustible) to F (no performance determined). The classification is based on tests including the single burning item (SBI) test per EN 13823 and the ignitability test per EN ISO 11925-2. Most construction products need at least one fire test.
Is a Notified Body always required for CPR?
It depends on the product’s AVCP system (Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance). System 1+ and 1 require a Notified Body for product certification. System 3 requires a Notified Body only for type testing. System 4 allows manufacturer self-declaration, but the testing must still follow harmonised standards.
What mechanical tests do structural products need?
Structural steel and metal products typically require tensile testing (EN ISO 6892-1), impact testing (EN ISO 148-1), and hardness testing. Concrete products need compressive strength testing. Timber products need bending strength and stiffness testing per EN 408. The applicable harmonised standard specifies the exact tests.
What about durability and weathering tests?
Many construction products require accelerated ageing tests: salt spray corrosion (ISO 9227) for metals, freeze-thaw cycling for concrete, UV ageing for polymeric materials, and moisture resistance testing. These tests demonstrate that the product maintains its declared performance over its intended service life.
Related
Related Regulations
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This guide is an educational resource to help you understand testing requirements for this product type. It does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Always consult the relevant regulation text and qualified experts for compliance decisions.