Many changes have been made concerning product compliance, so it is no surprise that they touched upon construction product compliance. The European Union's recent amendment to the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) is set to transform how manufacturers approach product design, sustainability, and market access.
This comprehensive update will be particularly interesting for manufacturing executives, product managers, and compliance officers in the construction and building materials sectors. The changes promise to streamline market operations while pushing the industry towards more environmentally sustainable practices.
Key Highlights of the New CPR Amendment
The revised regulation introduces several critical changes that will impact how construction products are designed, marketed, and monitored:
- Expanded economic operator responsibilities The regulation now includes fulfilment service providers and online marketplace operators under compliance obligations. Manufacturers remain primarily responsible for product declarations and conformity, but the net of accountability has widened.
- Environmental sustainability at the forefront For the first time, manufacturers may be required to design construction products that demonstrate improved durability, minimised lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced recyclability.
- Digital innovation in product tracking Introducing a digital product passport will provide unprecedented transparency. Stakeholders can now access detailed environmental sustainability information via QR codes, directly from construction sites.
- New product categories The scope now includes previously overlooked categories such as used construction products and construction products manufactured using 3D printing technology.
- Consumer empowerment A new complaints portal allows consumers and competitors to report potential non-conformity directly to the European Commission, strengthening market surveillance.
Important implementation timeline
- Standard development provisions: Applicable one month after entry into force
- Most regulatory articles: Effective one year after entry into force
- Penalty provisions: Will apply two years after entry into force
What do you think you should do now?
- Start by reviewing your current product design processes
- Assess the environmental sustainability of your product portfolio
- Prepare documentation for digital product passports
- Train your team on new compliance requirements
- Update your market surveillance and quality control mechanisms
The construction industry stands at a pivotal moment. By proactively adapting to these changes, manufacturers can not only ensure compliance but also position themselves as leaders in sustainable innovation.
Source: https://www.noerr.com/en/insights/amendment-of-the-construction-products-regulation-is-now-definite