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​Alternative procedures for construction products

The European technical assessment (ETA) provides an alternative pathway for construction products that are not covered by a harmonised standard. As a vital component established under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), the ETA plays a crucial role in assessing the performance of such products. This process enables manufacturers to issue the Declaration of Performance and affix the CE marking, contributing significantly to the free movement of construction products and bolstering the single market.

Procedure Overview:
  • When a construction product is not fully covered by a harmonised standard, a manufacturer can request an ETA.
  • This request is directed to a Technical Assessment Body (TAB) specific to the product area. The list of TABs can be found in the NANDO database.
  • The TAB then issues an ETA based on a European Assessment Document (EAD), which is adopted by the European Organisation for Technical Assessment (EOTA).
  • The Commission publishes an updated list of references for the final EADs in the Official Journal of the European Union.
  • The ETA primarily includes details on the intended use and performance of the product.

The European Assessment Document (EAD):
  • The EAD is a harmonised technical specification developed by EOTA for products not fully covered by harmonised European standards.
  • It encompasses a general product description, a list of essential characteristics, methods and criteria for performance assessment, and principles for factory production control.

Technical Assessment Bodies (TABs):
  • TABs are responsible for assessing construction products based on EADs.
  • These bodies are designated by EU countries and are listed, along with their product areas, in the NANDO-CPR database.

The European Organisation for Technical Assessment (EOTA):
  • EOTA facilitates the cooperation of TABs and carries out several key tasks:
    • Adopting and making EADs publicly available.
    • Coordinating requests for ETAs and the procedure for adopting an EAD.
    • Organizing coordination among all TABs.

​Through the ETA and EAD procedures, the EU ensures a streamlined and efficient process for certifying construction products, enhancing market integration and product reliability.