The Construction Products Regulation (EU) No 305/2011—commonly known as the CPR—lays down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products in the European Union. Its goal is to ensure that reliable and comparable information is available on the performance of construction products to support safe, sustainable, and cost-effective building practices across Europe.
What is the Construction Products Regulation?
The CPR replaced the Construction Products Directive (89/106/EEC) and has been fully applicable since 1 July 2013. Unlike many other EU product regulations, the CPR does not focus on health and safety directly, but instead on the declaration of performance of construction products in relation to their essential characteristics.
It provides a framework for assessing and expressing performance in a consistent, comparable manner using harmonised technical standards, allowing for the free movement of construction products within the EU internal market.
Scope of the CPR
The CPR applies to any construction product that is:
- Permanently incorporated in buildings or civil engineering works, and
- Covered by a harmonised European standard (hEN) or a European Technical Assessment (ETA)
Examples include:
- Cement and concrete products
- Doors, windows, roofing materials
- Insulation, sealants, adhesives
- Structural steel and timber components
- Cables, piping, and fire protection systems
Key Concepts: Performance and CE Marking
Under the CPR, manufacturers must provide a Declaration of Performance (DoP) for products covered by a harmonised standard or ETA. The DoP outlines the essential characteristics relevant to the product’s intended use, such as:
- Mechanical resistance
- Reaction to fire
- Water and air tightness
- Sound insulation
- Thermal performance
- Sustainability and durability
Once the DoP is drawn up, the manufacturer must affix the CE mark and make both the CE label and DoP available to customers, usually via website or product packaging.
Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP)
The CPR introduced the AVCP system, which assigns one of five levels of assessment (from System 1+ to System 4) depending on the product type and the role it plays in the building’s performance. This system defines:
- The tasks of the manufacturer
- The involvement of a Notified Body (e.g., for testing, inspection, or certification)
- Whether factory production control and third-party audits are required
High-risk products like structural elements or fire-rated materials often require third-party assessment, while lower-risk products may rely on manufacturer testing alone.
Harmonised Standards and European Technical Assessments
Products can demonstrate compliance through:
- Harmonised European standards (hENs) developed by CEN
- European Technical Assessments (ETAs) for innovative or non-standard products
Using hENs gives the manufacturer access to the CE marking pathway, while ETAs offer flexibility for unique or advanced materials not yet covered by standards.
Responsibilities of Economic Operators
All parties involved in placing construction products on the market have clear obligations:
- Manufacturers must prepare the DoP, perform AVCP tasks, and affix the CE mark.
- Importers must ensure non-EU products comply with CPR requirements.
- Distributors must verify that products are CE marked and accompanied by correct documentation.
Upcoming Revisions
The European Commission has proposed a revised CPR, aiming to align better with the Green Deal, circular economy goals, and digital product passport initiatives. The revision will also address inconsistencies in standardisation and market surveillance. Companies placing products on the EU market should start preparing for these upcoming changes.
Contact Us
Navigating the Construction Products Regulation can be complex—especially when dealing with AVCP systems, harmonised standards, or CE marking obligations. Our team supports manufacturers, importers, and distributors in understanding compliance routes, drawing up Declarations of Performance, and coordinating with Notified Bodies.
Contact us today for expert assistance in ensuring your construction products meet all CPR requirements and are ready for confident, compliant access to the European market.
