CE Mark for wood based panel products

Construction Products Directive

• New legal obligations affect the supply chain for panel products sold in the 18 countries of the European Economic Area (15 EU countries & 3 EFTA nations).
• Everyone - from architects to merchants - to be accountable for the supply and specification of panels.
• Enforcement agency given powers to impose severe penalties.
• Likely to give more ‘bite’ to existing Construction Products Regulations.

What is the CE Mark

• The CE Mark - voluntary until April 2004–works alongside the design values stated by individual countries. Click here for info on the role of design values and BS 5268 Part 2.
• Does not replace an individual country’s quality mark (click here for info on APA’s quality trade mark).
• Only construction products carrying this mark can now be legally sold.

Benefits

• Denotes a product is legally fit for purpose.
• Allows the final structure to comply with six Essential Requirements:
  • mechanical resistance&stability
  • safety in case of fire
  • hygiene, health, environment
  • safety in use
  • protection from noise
  • energy, economy, heat retention
• You can tell at a glance which product conforms to the rules.
• Merchants and contractors can no longer avoid blame for supplying unsuitable products.
• Makes it easier to import product–replaces need for individual country approval.