CE Marking is Mandatory
Under the EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR), “CE Marking” is mandatory where a Harmonised European Standard exists such as “Sealed unit manufacture, Window/Door manufacture or Supply and Installation of Windows/Doors”.
Look for the CE Mark on Glazing & Doors
Double glazed windows marked with the CE logo are hEN compliant and it is important to check this before purchasing replacement windows. hENs apply to basic float glass, coated glass, toughened glass, laminated glass and energy efficient glass.
CE marking is not the same thing as compliance with Building Regulations. CE marking is a self declaration by the manufacturer, to verify that the product meets the requirements of the Construction Products Directive and enables trade across Europe with fair comparison of performance characteristics.
CE marking does not constitute independent proof of the quality of manufacture of the glazing product.
Compliance With CE Marking Requirements
To comply with CE marking requirements, a glazing manufacturer must do several things, these include:
1 Define the product ranges, e.g. casement window, tilt/turn window or, residential door.
2 Define the required characteristics of the product, which, for the UK are
a. strength of any fitted safety devices
b. presence of any dangerous substances
c. thermal performance (U value).
3 Compliance with these characteristics needs to be demonstrated
4 Set up Factory Production Control (FPC) to ensure consistent quality in manufacture
5 Produce a Declaration of Performance
6 Apply the CE Marking to the product, or packaging.
Self Certification of Compliance
A manufacturer must set up a technical file which must contain evidence of performance in the form of a written test report from a Notified Body, to demonstrate compliance with the relevant standards.
Manufacturers will self certify that their products meet the requirements of the Construction Products Directive. The contents of the technical file must support this statement.
Essex Trade Windows Proactive on CE Marking of Glazing Products
Essex Trade Windows has taken a very responsible and pro-active approach to the CE marking requirement. We have worked very closely with our supplier, Profile 22, who have been strongly supportive in helping us to establish appropriate procedures and also in the provision is important data for our technical file.
Essex Trade Windows welcomed the CE Marking initiative, seeing it as force to help raise standards of product and manufacture in the glazing industry. Rather than holding back until forced to act, we self certified and CE marked in advance of the Regulations implementation.
CE Marking, Enforced by Law in the UK. EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR), CE Marking is Mandatory where a Harmonised European Standard Exists. CE Marking Requires Self Certification.