An ETA is required when no harmonised European product standard (HEN) exists for a product against which conformity and hence CE marking can be based
An ETA for a construction product is a favourable technical assessment of its fitness for an intended use, based on contribution made by this product to the fulfillment of the six Essential Requirements, as stated in the Construction Products Directive (CPD) for the construction works in which the product is installed.
An ETA can be granted when any of the following conditions apply:
In conjunction with an Attestation of Conformity (which is intended to ensure that the product specification set out in a ETA is maintained by the manufacturer), ETA's allow manufacturers to place a CE mark on their products.
What is EOTA?
The European Organisation for Technical Approvals (EOTA) comprises the Approval Bodies nominated to issue European Technical Approvals (ETAs) by EU Member States and EFTA States who have contracted to the European Economic Area Agreement.
A construction product with an ETA, satisfying the Attestation of Conformity provisions, can carry CE marking and can be placed on the market in any of these EEA countries.
EOTA has been constituted as a legal body under Belgian law, with four organisational levels: Plenary Meeting - Executive Commission - Technical Board - Working Groups.
The role of EOTA is primarily to monitor and progress the drafting of ETA Guidelines (ETAGs) and to co-ordinate all activities relating to the issuing of ETA's. EOTA operates in close co-operation with the European Commission, EFTA, CEN, European trade associations and industrial organisations, who are also present as observers at various EOTA levels.
EOTA is born out of the Construction Products Directive 89/106/EC (CPD). The goal of the CPD is the removal of technical barriers in the construction products sector through :
Products are fit for their intended use if they comply with a Harmonised Standard, a European Technical Approval or a non-harmonised technical specification recognised at EC level.
What is an ETAG?
An ETA Guideline (ETAG) is a document drafted by and for the EOTA Approval Bodies as a result of a mandate from the European Commission and EFTA. Its basic aim is to establish how Approval Bodies should evaluate the specific characteristics/requirements of a product or family of products. According to the CPD Guidelines must comprise the following:
An ETAG is a binding document which requires the approval of EOTA, the consultation of the Standing Committee and the publication by Member States in their respective official language(s).
In order to ensure that ETAGs are as technically sound as possible, EOTA is strongly in favour of co-operation with other bodies, in particular with European industrial organisations. In Working Groups it is especially important that all interested parties who can contribute in a positive way have the possibility to participate. EOTA encourages therefore co-operation to take place on all levels and in the most suitable form.
Technical experts of relevant European industrial organisations can contribute directly as members of Working Groups, provided they are designated by these organisations on the basis of their technical experience in the subject concerned and in order to contribute in an impartial but positive way.
CE Marking is just one measure that the European Union has adopted to establish a single market, allow free trade and foster economic development within the member states. With the exception of some high risk products (fire protection products), most products can be self assessed by the manufacturer to demonstrate a MINIMUM performance level against the essential requirements detailed in the Construction Products Directive (CPD). While CE Marking permits a products access in to the European Union, it is not an approval or quality mark nor is it intended to be a marketing tool
The requirement for CE Marking will also be driven forward with the transposition of the CPD in to a Regulation (CPR), at which time it will be mandatory for all Member States to comply with the requirements of this document, current estimate 2012. This also includes the UK, Sweden, Ireland and Finland who have previously 'opted out' of the Marking process.
Suppliers, agents or manufacturers who trade in Europe must demonstrate that their products meet the minimum essential requirements of the CPD, and are required to affix the CE marking to the product or its packaging.
Warrington Certification is the only body within Europe that specialises exclusively in the development of European Technical Approvals (ETAs) for fire protection products.
An ETA is required when no harmonised European product standard (HEN) exists for a product against which conformity and hence CE marking can be based
An ETA for a construction product is a favourable technical assessment of its fitness for an intended use, based on contribution made by this product to the fulfillment of the six Essential Requirements, as stated in the Construction Products Directive (CPD) for the construction works in which the product is installed.
An ETA can be granted when any of the following conditions apply:
In conjunction with an Attestation of Conformity (which is intended to ensure that the product specification set out in an ETA is maintained by the manufacturer), ETA's allow manufacturers to place a CE mark on their products.
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