Introduction to CE Marking of Construction Products

Through the affixing of “CE Marking,” the manufacturer indicates that the product complies with the applicable requirements set out in EU harmonization legislation, with the aim of reducing technical barriers to trade while ensuring appropriate health and safety standards.

This means that an EU member state shall not prohibit or hinder, within its territory or under its responsibility, the making available on the market or use of construction products bearing the CE Marking.

The obligation for CE Marking of construction products occurs with the end of the coexistence period of a harmonized standard. This means that if a product does not fall under the scope of Annex ZA of a harmonized standard, there is no CE Marking obligation for that product. However, it remains possible to proceed with CE Marking of construction products on a voluntary basis through an ETA issued by a Technical Assessment Body (TAB) on the basis of a European Assessment Document (EAD).

What are Structural Products and what are the obligations according to Chapter 11 of DM 17.01.2018

Structural products are those materials and products that enable a work, where these are permanently incorporated, to meet as a priority the basic requirement of works No. 1 "Mechanical strength and stability" referred to in Annex I of EU Regulation 305/2011. Chapter 11 of DM 17.01.2018 (Technical Standards for Construction - NTC) defines the procedures for the identification, qualification and acceptance on site of materials and products for structural use.

The main obligations include the identification and qualification of materials and products according to specific procedures borne by the manufacturer and contained in: harmonized technical standards, or NTC requirements or European Technical Assessments (ETAs) or Certificates of Technical Assessment (CVTs).

Innovative products covered by ETA/EAD - the example of electro-welded gabions

Innovative products, for which there are no harmonized standards, can obtain CE Marking on the basis of an ETA.

The Example of Electrowelded Gabions

Product Description.: Electrowelded gabions are box structures made of electrowelded wire mesh and filled with stone material (the latter outside the scope of EAD).
Intended Use.: Slope stabilization, construction of retaining walls, architectural cladding and sound barriers.
Essential features.:
- Mechanical strength of metal elements (wire and electro-welded mesh)
- Durability (resistance to corrosion)
- Sound insulation and absorption

For electro-welded gabions, the manufacturer may apply for an ETA based on EAD 200020-00-0102, which will contain the essential characteristics peculiar to the product under evaluation and will be headed solely and exclusively by the applicant manufacturer.

Stefano Menapace
A civil engineer and PMP© certified project manager , he has many years of experience in the field of sustainable construction. Specializing in innovative wood building technologies, he is the creator of ARCA certification - the first certification dedicated to wood construction - and has worked with leading companies to promote ecological and advanced solutions. For more than 20 years he has worked as a freelance consultant and trainer for public and private entities, contributing to the dissemination of innovative and sustainable building practices.