EU introduces New Rules to enhance Safety, Sustainibilty and Competitivness in Construction Products
The Construction Products Regulation (EU) 2024/3110 introduces significant updates to the marking of construction products within the European Union, emphasizing sustainability, digitalization, and enhanced transparency.
The revised regulation introduces several crucial objectives:
- CE Marking and Environmental Performance
Under the new regulation, the CE marking now encompasses both technical and environmental performances, aligning with the updated safety and sustainability requirements. Manufacturers are required to substantiate environmental claims and reflect them in the product’s Digital Product Passport (DPP).
- Declaration of Performance and Conformity (DoPC)
Compliance mandates that Declarations of Performance and Conformity include environmental data, such as climate impact and technical specifications. This information must be verified and made accessible to regulatory authorities through the DPP. Until new standards are developed, existing methodologies and standards remain acceptable.
- Digital Product Passports (DPP)
A notable innovation is the introduction of Digital Product Passports, which serve as digital repositories of product specifications and environmental data. This facilitates access to information for regulatory authorities and product users, such as architects and builders.
Implementation Timeline
The regulation entered into force on January 7, 2025. Most provisions will apply from January 8, 2026, with specific articles and annexes becoming applicable from January 7, 2025, and others from January 8, 2027.
These changes aim to harmonize the rules for marketing construction products in the European Union, promoting sustainability, innovation, and transparency in the sector.
About EU Regulation 2024/3110
Scope of Application
The Regulation applies to all construction products intended for permanent incorporation into buildings and infrastructure across the European Economic Area (EEA). It covers:
- Structural products (e.g., steel, concrete, timber)
- Insulation materials
- Roofing and cladding systems
- Plumbing and electrical components
Product Requirements
Under CPR 2024/3110, construction products must meet stringent performance and safety criteria to ensure their suitability for use in the European market. These requirements include durability, mechanical resistance, fire safety, hygiene, health and environmental protection, energy efficiency, and sustainable resource use. Manufacturers must conduct thorough testing and provide documentation verifying compliance with these essential requirements before placing products on the market.
The basis for compliance may include, among other things:
- the use of specific materials which can be specified also in terms of their chemical composition;
- safety during transport, installation, maintenance, use, dismantling, and end-of-life treatment, including reuse and recycling – applies for both professionals and non-professionals;
- products appearance such as designing, manufacturing and packaging to address inherent safety risks—such as chemical risks from leaking or leaching—throughout their life cycle, following state-of-the-art practices and in compliance with relevant Union laws
ECHA link on Regulation 2024/3110: Regulation (EU) 2024/3110 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 laying down harmonised rules for the marketing of construction products and repealing Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 (Text with EEA relevance)
Ekotox webpage on Chemicals Management: https://ekotox.eu/chemicals-management/
Ekotox webpage on REACH: https://ekotox.eu/reach-regulation/