Regulation (EU) 2024/3110: Harmonized Rules for the Marketing of Construction Products
The new Construction Products Regulation (CPR) was published in the Official Journal of the EU on December 18, 2024, and will take effect on January 7, 2025. Aimed at enhancing sustainability, digitalization, and legal clarity, this regulation introduces significant changes affecting professionals in the construction sector and the building materials industry.
Key Amendments
- Digitalization and Information Transparency
- The regulation mandates the provision of information on the performance of construction products in digital and machine-readable formats.
- Its goal is to improve accessibility across the supply chain and enhance transparency for end-users and regulatory authorities.
- Environmental and Sustainability Performance Declarations
- Obligations are introduced for documenting the environmental impacts and sustainability of products based on their lifecycle, including raw material use, energy consumption, and waste management.
- Performance thresholds and categories are introduced to facilitate the evaluation and selection of environmentally friendly products.
- CE Marking and Harmonized Standards
- CE marking becomes the sole recognized method for declaring compliance with EU technical specifications.
- A mechanism for updating harmonized standards is established to better address the regulatory needs of member states.
- Promoting Circular Economy
- The reuse and refurbishment of construction products are encouraged through specific technical specifications.
- Mandatory systems for product recovery and waste processing are introduced to reduce environmental footprints.
- Market Surveillance and Responsibilities
- Stricter provisions are established for market surveillance, emphasizing the detection of non-compliant products.
- Manufacturers and distributors are required to maintain accurate declarations of performance and compliance.
New Obligations for Professionals
These changes impact a wide range of professionals, including engineers, architects, manufacturers, and retailers of construction products. Key obligations include:
- Adaptation to New Specifications:
Manufacturers must integrate new sustainability requirements and update their technical documentation in line with harmonized standards. - Investment in Digitalization:
The use of digital tools for creating and distributing product information is essential. - Implementation of Circular Economy Practices:
Professionals are urged to adopt reuse and recycling practices to reduce material waste and align with EU requirements. - Skills Development:
Industry personnel must fully understand the new provisions to ensure product compliance.
Points of Attention
- Legal Clarity and Updates:
Professionals need to stay informed of changes and monitor updates to harmonized standards. - Avoiding Penalties:
Non-compliance with the provisions of the new regulation could result in severe penalties and exclusion from the EU market. - Declarations of Performance and Compliance:
These declarations must be available in digital format and include all required information for regulatory checks.
Conclusion
Regulation (EU) 2024/3110 is a significant step toward a more sustainable, digital, and harmonized market for construction products in the EU. Industry professionals must adapt quickly to the new requirements, invest in cutting-edge technologies, and incorporate circular economy practices. Compliance with these provisions not only ensures legal presence in the market but also provides competitive advantages in the construction sector.
You can download the New Construction Products Regulation (CPR) in PDF format by following this link: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202403110
