Although the July 2015 deadline has been and gone, some manufacturers affected by the Construction Products Regulation are still yet to tackle mandatory CE Marking. Unfortunately, a great deal of confusion seems to have arisen, so to help, here’s our simplified ‘take’ on the subject.
What is CE Marking?
CE Marking indicates a product’s compliance with EU legislation. By affixing the CE Marking on a product a manufacturer is declaring, on their sole responsibility, conformity with all of the legal requirements.
Who needs to comply?
The regulations apply to a wide range of activities including:
- Importers of structural metalwork kits or components
- Stockholders and metal processors that modify stock – eg by drilling, painting, bending, electroplating etc
- Manufacturers of metal components or kits that have a structural use in civil engineering
What do you need to do?
This is the basic process:
- Identify which directive and harmonized standards apply to your products
- Verify your products’ specific requirements
- Assess your products’ current conformity and any changes and testing that may be required
- Make sure your systems conform to Factory Production Control and Welding Quality Management System requirements
- Determine whether you need third-party certification and, if so, appoint a Notified Body to do it
- Draw-up and prepare the required declarations and supporting documents
- Affix correct CE Marking to your products
For more information, or to join the increasing list of companies making use of WLP’s CE Marking Support Services, contact us by emailing enquiry@w-l-p.co.uk.