The trading of construction products

CE marking and declaration of performance of construction products in the framework of Regulation (EU) 305/2011

With the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 305/2011 on 1 July 2013, construction products affixing the CE marking must be accompanied by a declaration of performance. The purpose of that obligation is to enable product selection based on the intended use.

In December 2024, the European Union adopted Regulation (EU) 2024/3310, which revises Regulation (EU) 305/2011. The two regulations will continue to coexist until 2040 to ensure a gradual transition.

When must the CE marking be affixed according to Regulation (EU) 305/2011?

The CE marking ensures that manufacturers, those responsible for placing construction products on the market, and importers are responsible for the declared performance.

The CE marking isn’t affixed to all construction products.

CE marking and harmonised standard (Regulation (EU) 305/2011)

The manufacturer must affix the CE marking  for a product covered by a harmonised standard.

As of the beginning date of the coexistence period, it is possible to use the harmonized standard to draw up the declaration of performance for a construction product covered by that standard.

As of the end date of the coexistence period, the harmonized standard is the only way to draw up a declaration of performance for a construction product covered by that standard.

CE marking and European Technical Assessment (Regulation (EU) 305/2011

The manufacturer may affix the CE marking to other construction products. In that case, he must be in possession of a European technical approval or a European Technical Assessment.

The European Technical Approval is an instrument established under the European Directive 89/106. It is a constructive technical assessment of the suitability of a product for its intended use. Each European Technical Approval is valid until its expiration date.

Assessment and verification systems for performances in the framework of Regulation (EU) 305/2011

To evaluate the performance of a construction product, the Regulation provides for five assessment and verification systems of performance constancy relative to the product's essential characteristics: 1+, 1, 2+, 3 and 4.

That classification takes into account the role of the products in the safety of facilities. Products considered to have the most important role in the system are classified 1+. Each system includes different tasks to be executed, according to the case(s), by the manufacturer or by the notified body.

Obligations of manufacturers, importers and distributors according to Regulation (EU) 305/2011

When a manufacturer places a product on the market, he, by affixing the CE marking, takes on the responsibility for the conformity of the construction product with the declared performance.

Importers and distributors ensure that the products, where required, bear the CE marking and are accompanied by the documents necessary for their appropriate use, among others the declaration of performance and the user manual.

An importer or distributor will be subjected to the obligations of a manufacturer, whenever he:

• places a product on the market under his own name or trademark, or
• modifies a construction product already placed on the market in such a way that conformity with the declaration of performance may be affected.

Selecting or prescribing a construction product

A construction (a house or civil engineering) must comply with both the national provisions (federal, regional or municipal) applicable to it and the objectives defined by its construction, renovation, repair or maintenance. To comply with both, the work must be carried out using products whose essential characteristics are adequate.

Choosing a product among all the products available on the market is the user’s responsibility. Depending on the structure’s functionality, the user must take into account different criteria such as:

• techniques used
• construction system
• level of innovation
• sustainability
• different economic aspects

as well as the appropriateness of the product's performance as compared to the use he intends to make of it.

The key issue in choosing construction products is their performance relative to the intended use. It is the connection between the basic requirements of the construction works and the essential characteristics of the products.

Economic operators can contact a product contact point established by regulation.

Product Contact Point for Construction

Regulation 305/2011 provides that each member state shall designate a Product Contact Point for Construction (PCPC). In Belgium, that role is fulfilled by the product contact point for mutual recognition.

The PCPC provides the following information:

• national provisions (technical rules as included in Regulation 2019/515) to meet the basic requirements applicable to construction works for the intended use of each construction product (essential characteristics);
• the contact details of the competent authorities responsible for supervising the implementation of national provisions;
• the legal recourses generally available in the national territory in the event of disputes between the competent authorities and an economic operator.

 The PCPC does not provide information on the implementation of Regulation 305/2011 as such, on standards and their content, and on notified bodies and technical assessment bodies.

The PCPC replies within 15 working days of receipt of the request.

That service is free of charge.

You can contact them:

• by post:
  FPS Economy, SMEs, Self-Employed and Energy
  Directorate-General for Quality and SecurityNG II
  Boulevard du Roi Albert II 16
  1000 Brussels

• by tel.: +32  2 277 93 47

• via an application form
   Application form

Do you want to know more about Regulation (EU) 305/2011?

Consult our Frequently Asked Questions on Regulation (EU) 305/2011 or read our brochure (only available in French and Dutch).