Read CEN and CENELEC’s position on the European Commission’s proposal for the revision of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR)

The role of European standards in helping the successful adoption of green solutions and digital tools across the Single Market is particularly evident in the construction sector. A strong European Standardization System (ESS) is vital to make the industry, and hence, the European economy, fit for the future.  

CEN and CENELEC look forward to working with the Commission to ensure that the revision of the CPR supports these goals, and that standardization plays a key role in its implementation. The two organisations are committed to supporting the development of harmonized European standards (hEN) for construction products that contribute to the strength of the internal market.  

CEN and CENELEC view the following proposals as critical points that should be considered to ensure this revision delivers on its goals:  

• CEN and CENELEC propose the European Commission set the specific product requirements directly in standardization requests; 
• CEN and CENELEC request that harmonized standards are considered the primary route for the development of harmonized technical specifications in support of the CPR and the development of delegated acts should be exceptional and used in limited cases as a fallback solution instead of an alternative equal solution to harmonized standards; 
• CEN and CENELEC request the Commission to establish a flexible mechanism to update the list of essential characteristics whenever during the development of a harmonized standard under a standardization request new technological developments or specific need emerge; 
• CEN and CENELEC ask the European Commission to specify the exact products and intended uses (if needed) proposed to be excluded and request: 

• that sanitary appliances are covered in the scope of the revised CPR 

• the EC to define the final scope in cooperation with member states, European Parliament and all relevant stakeholders. 

The text of CEN and CENELEC’s response as submitted can be found on the website of the European Commission here.