Q&A CPR

CPR is intended to cover both reaction to fire and resistance to fire performances, but so far the harmonized standard EN 50575, covering only reaction to fire, is available and has been cited in the OJEU.

Therefore, the fire resistance and reaction to fire performance of fire resistant cables cannot currently be classified under the CPR. Individual member states may adopt and apply their own local requirements for the fire properties of fire resistant cables at the present time. Consequently, the classification system for fire-resistant cables across the EU has not yet changed.

For now, only reaction to fire performances are harmonized and in the future Resistance to fire.
Cables manufactured according to national and European standards remain unchanged except for the declared reaction to fire performances. 

This means Electrical testing and others are not a part of the CPR approval program.

The CPR (Reaction to Fire) does not distinguish based on rated voltage; therefore, all cables permanently installed in constructions fall within the scope of the regulation, regardless of their operating voltage. This also includes optical fiber cables.

When the CPR (Resistance to Fire) requirements will be implemented, it is expected that cables will be rated at a maximum of 0.6/1kV, as higher voltage ratings are typically unnecessary for building applications. Data and optical cables will also be included within this scope.

No, cables with connectors fitted are outside of the scope of CPR.

It is important that any cables used in prefilled conduits and pre-connected systems comply:

• if the prefilled conduits’ and pre-connected systems’ final application is in construction and civil engineering works subject to reaction to fire requirements; or,
• if they are sold through the distribution channel and their final application can be construction and civil engineering works subject to reaction to fire requirements.

All cables permanently installed in construction works must have a CE marking. In specific circumstances, national regulatory authorities may define the maximum cable length for which the contribution to fire is deemed negligible and that is therefore acceptable without a CE marking, or with a performance level below the requirements for the specific type of construction. In these cases, the cable should be as short as possible and connected inside the fire compartment entered.

For IT (Information Technology) installations, also refer to standard EN50174-2.
EN50174-2 – Information technology installation. Cabling installation. Installation planning and practices inside buildings 4.1.8.2 External cables containing flammable materials – Information technology cables that do not comply with the minimum recommended performance requirements of EN 60332-1-2 shall be either: a) terminated in an entrance facility which is outside the external fire barrier of the building; or b) terminated inside the building, within 2m (unless an alternative distance is specified by local regulations) of the point of internal penetration of the external fire barrier or any length exceeding 2m is installed within trunking or conduit that is considered as a fire barrier in accordance with local fire regulations.

NOTE: This also applies where the cable has to pass through a space between two external fire barriers within a building.
 

Cables for permanent installation in construction works and civil engineering structures, within the scope of the cited harmonised product standards developed under Mandate M/443 EU, i.e.: “Cables intended to be used for the supply of electricity and communications in buildings and other civil engineering works and subject to performance requirements on reaction to fire”.

Following completion of the consideration of performance requirements for resistance to fire, and the citation of a harmonised product standard, additional cable types are expected to be: “Cables intended to be used for the supply of electricity, communication and fire detection and alarm in buildings and other civil engineering works where it is essential to assure the continuity of power and/or signal supply of safety installations”.

Cables for permanent installation are considered those which are not specifically designed for temporary installation only.

Certain classes of cable such as those providing control and power circuits inside machinery, lift cables or other cables specifically designed for use in industrial processes carried out in industrial premises and are not part of the Mandate M/443 EU, are excluded.

Note: Mandate M/443 EN to CEN and CENELEC related to power, control and communication cables – Footnote 2) of Annex 1 – FIELD OF APPLICATION. This mandate does not cover control and power circuits inside machinery (Council Directive 89/392/EEC) or lifts (European Parliament and Council Directive 95/16/EC), or other cables specifically designed for use in industrial processes carried out on industrial premises.

The performances of cables covered by the current CPR (2024) are as follows:

• Reaction to fire – This is currently active and defines how cables respond to fire, including their potential to ignite and spread flames.
• Release of dangerous substances in normal operation, dismantling, and recycling – This focuses on the potential release of hazardous substances during the cable's regular use, dismantling, or recycling process (excluding substances released during fire).

The resistance to fire requirements for cables are still under development, and as such, this requirement is not yet active. Additionally, as the CPR is undergoing revision, the new regulations are expected to include updated criteria, but a specific timeline for implementation remains uncertain.
The revised CPR will also introduce new requirements, such as Sustainability and Environmental Performance, aligning with broader EU goals for environmental responsibility.

As per hEN50575, (Mainly) 3 AVCP systems can be applied depending on the performance required

• System 1+ : Euroclasses B2ca, Cca
• System 3 : Euroclasses Dca, Eca
• System 4 : Euroclass Fca

In the frame of the CPR (reaction to fire), mainly systems 1+ and 3 are in use.

Under the harmonized standard EN 50575, three Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP) systems are primarily applied to cables, depending on the Euroclass performance requirements for reaction to fire:

• System 1+: Applies to Euroclasses B2ca and Cca. It Involves the highest level of oversight, including:
  • Initial type testing
  • Factory Production Control (FPC)
  • Regular audits of the production process by a Notified Body
  • Ongoing sampling and testing of products by the Notified Body
     
• System 3: Applies to Euroclasses Dca and Eca. It requires:
  • Initial type testing conducted by a Notified Laboratory
  • Factory Production Control managed by the manufacturer, with no routine involvement from a Notified Body in ongoing production
     
• System 4 : Applies to Euroclass Fca. It Involves the least oversight, relying solely on the manufacturer’s declaration without external testing or auditing requirements.

For cables under the CPR (Reaction to Fire), the most commonly used AVCP systems are 1+ (for higher performance Euroclasses) and 3 (for mid-range performance Euroclasses). System 4 is rarely used due to its minimal requirements.

AVCP systems and CPR performance classes

AVCP, or Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance, is a process established under the CPR to ensure that power, control, and communication cables meet the requirements of the Regulation and the performance levels declared by the manufacturer in the Declaration of Performance (DoP).

The AVCP system involves two main components:

• Determination of the Product-Type: Testing and assessment to establish the essential characteristics of the product.
• Factory Production Control (FPC): A quality assurance system implemented by the manufacturer to maintain consistent product performance.

The manufacturer retains full responsibility for ensuring that the products placed on the market comply with the declared performance. To achieve this, they must have the necessary systems and resources in place, including:

• A Quality System: Procedures, internal audits, and test reports to ensure traceability of the production process.
• Regular Testing: Fire performance testing must be conducted at least once a year, with a minimum of one sample tested from each cable range.

The FPC is a critical element of the AVCP process. It ensures that the declared performance of essential characteristics is consistently maintained.

• The FPC is subject to biannual surveillance by a Notified Body, which verifies compliance with the declared performance.
• The Notified Body also performs performance checks through sampling. This occurs every three years initially and then every five years after two consecutive compliant checks.

The harmonized standard governing the application of the CPR to cables is EN 50575, which was first published in 2014 and amended in 2016 (A1). This standard applies to all power, control, and communication cables intended for use in construction works and subject to reaction-to-fire performance requirements.

Key Provisions of EN 50575:

EN 50575 specifies the reaction-to-fire performance requirements, test methods, and assessment procedures for cables used to supply electricity, as well as for control and communication purposes. It also establishes the regulatory framework for applying the CPR to cables, including AVCP (Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance) system, which is defined based on the targeted Euroclass.

The table in attachment summarizes the Euroclasses and their corresponding test methods.

Euroclasses and corresponding test methods

EN 50575 also highlights the relevant test methods, which are further elaborated in EN 13501-6, the standard defining the harmonized classification procedure for cables and the performance criteria that must be met for a particular classification of cable. The key test methods include:

• EN 60332-1-2: Tests vertical flame propagation on insulated electrical conductors, cables, or fiber optic cables exposed to a 1 kW flame, measuring the burning height. This is the first test to be done whatever the classification targeted. If it is fulfilled the cable can be classified at minimum Eca. If not it is Fca.

• EN 50399 evaluates cables under fire conditions, measuring critical parameters like:

  • Vertical Fire Spread (FS)

  • Heat Release Rate (HRR)

  • Total Heat Release (THR)

  • Fire Growth Rate Index (FIGRA)

  • Total Smoke Production (TSP)

  • Smoke Production Rate (SPR)

  • Production of flaming droplets and particles

This test is performed if the EN603326162 is showed compliant. Depending on the results the cables can be classified from Dca to B2ca performances.

• EN 61034-2 provides details of the test procedure to be used for the measurement of the smoke density emitted by cables burning under defined conditions. The result is expressed in terms of minimum light transmittance level.
• EN 60754-2 describes the apparatus and test procedure for determining the corrosive and acid potential of gases emitted during the combustion of cable materials by measuring the acidity (pH) and conductivity obtained from the gases released during combustion.

The EN 50576 standard provides guidance on selecting specific cable samples for testing to achieve certification. This ensures that results are representative of the entire range of cables.

As of 2024, fire-resistant cables, which are crucial for ensuring the continuity of power and signal supply to safety installations (e.g., alarm systems, emergency lighting, and firefighting equipment), are not yet covered by the CPR. For these cables, national regulations remain in force.

Note: The CPR standards, including EN 50575, focus on reaction-to-fire performance and do not replace other requirements (electrical, mechanical, environmental) necessary to demonstrate compliance with additional cable standards and specifications.

The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) establishes harmonized conditions for marketing construction products within the European Union. Its primary goal is to create a "common technical language" that enables consistent methods for assessing and comparing the performance of construction products, regardless of the manufacturer or country of origin. This is achieved through the use of Euro-classifications and harmonized standards or technical specifications.

The common technical language is designed to serve:

• Manufacturers, enabling them to declare the performance of their products in a standardized manner.
• Member State authorities, allowing them to specify performance requirements clearly and consistently.
• Users, such as architects, engineers, and contractors, electricians, installers… helping them choose the most suitable products for their intended use in fixed installations within construction works.

This framework ensures that performance criteria are comparable across the EU, enhancing transparency and supporting the free movement of construction products. 

· European Commission – Construction Products Regulation

· Construction Products Regulation No 305/2011 of 9 March 2011

In the context of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), Notified Bodies are independent organizations designated by EU member states to assess the conformity of construction products with the essential requirements laid out in the CPR. They are accredited according to the ISO 17025 highlighting their expertise in the relevant domains and the adequacy of their quality system.
These bodies play a key role in ensuring that electric cables meet the requirements before they are placed on the market.

Here’s what Notified Bodies do in relation to the CPR.

• Conformity Assessment

Notified Bodies carry out various conformity assessment procedures for construction products, which may include testing, inspection, and certification. They assess whether products meet the technical specifications required by the CPR, such as fire performance.

• CE Marking

Notified Bodies are responsible for conducting the necessary assessments to allow manufacturers to affix the CE marking to their products. The CE mark indicates that the product complies with all relevant European legislation, including the CPR.

All Notified Bodies are listed in the NANDO (New Approach Notified and Designated Organisations) database, which is publicly accessible and allows manufacturers to find accredited bodies to carry out the necessary assessments for their products.

Euroclasses are the classification system used under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) to define the reaction to fire performance of power, control, communication, and hybrid cables. This system ensures a harmonized approach across the European Union for assessing and describing fire behavior.

The standard EN 13501-6 outlines the procedure for determining the Euroclass of a cable. There are seven Euroclasses in total: Aca,  B1ca, B2ca, Cca, Dca, Eca, Fca. However, only four classes (B2ca, Cca, Dca, Eca) are commonly used throughout Europe.

To provide a more detailed description of a cable's fire performance, additional classifications are used for:

• Smoke Production: s1, s2, s3 (s1 can be further split into s1a and s1b). Total: 5 possible smoke classifications.
• Acidity of Smoke Effluents: a1, a2, a3.
• Flaming Droplets/Particles: d0, d1, d2.

Combining the main Euroclasses with these additional classifications creates up to 183 possible combinations. However, to simplify implementation across the EU, only a limited number of combinations have been adopted by the countries.

Each EU member state have the responsibility of defining the performance levels required for different applications, ensuring that fire safety standards are not compromised.

When choosing a cable for installation in buildings, it is crucial to consult national regulations and codes to ensure the appropriate performance requirements are met and the correct cable is selected. Additionally, it is essential to verify the CE marking and review the manufacturer's Declaration of Performance (DoP). To maintain traceability, it is strongly recommended to retain all related documentation as part of the building's records.

Construction works means buildings and civil engineering works. Some member states have set a more precise definition in national regulations. A non-exhaustive list is the following:

• residential, industrial, commercial and office buildings;
• hospitals, schools, recreational centres and agricultural buildings;
• roads and highways, bridges, tunnels, railways, pipeline networks;
• stadiums, swimming pools;
• piers, docks, basins, sluices, channels, dams, towers, tanks.
• relevant parts of other installations such as solar farms.

The DoP is a document drawn up for every product covered by the CPR by the manufacturer following regulatory guidelines which:

• identifies the product and the manufacturer
• its intended use
• its essential characteristics as given by its harmonized Product Standard.

Under the CPR, the term manufacturer refers to any natural or legal person who manufactures a construction product or places it on the EU market under their name or trademark. This can include:

• Physical Producer

A natural or legal person who physically manufactures the product. If the product is placed on the market under the name or trademark of another entity (e.g., a rebranding manufacturer), the physical producer is not considered the manufacturer under the CPR. However, if the physical producer places similar products on the market under their own name or trademark, they are regarded as the manufacturer according to CPR Article 2(19).

• Rebranding Manufacturer

A manufacturer who does not physically produce the product but places it on the market under their name or trademark. The rebranding manufacturer assumes all the obligations of a manufacturer under the CPR (Article 11).

• Importer or Distributor Acting as a Manufacturer

If an importer or distributor places a product on the market under their name or trademark, or modifies an existing construction product in a way that may affect its conformity with the declaration of performance, they are considered the manufacturer under the CPR and are subject to the obligations outlined in Article 11.

Special Cases: Rebranding and Subcontract Manufacture

For rebranded construction products, the rebranding manufacturer must comply with all manufacturer obligations as per CPR Article 15. This includes ensuring conformity with the declaration of performance and meeting all requirements for market placement. Notified Bodies also apply specific conditions for certification in these cases (NB-CPR/17-743).
 

Since the transition from the Construction Product Directive to the Construction Product Regulation (CPR) in 2011—and even in the years leading up to it—the cable industry has undergone significant transformation to meet the new standards including:

• Redesign for Compliance:

The introduction of Euroclasses and the associated fire performance requirements compelled manufacturers to redesign many cable ranges, particularly for higher performance levels like B2ca, Cca, and Dca.

New compounds and constructions were developed to ensure compliance with stringent national regulations and the harmonized testing requirements.

• Extensive Testing Campaigns:

To adapt to the new system, the industry conducted massive testing campaigns using the newly developed EN 50399 fire test, which evaluates fire propagation, heat release, smoke production, and flaming droplets.

These campaigns established baseline performances for existing cable ranges and identified the need for improvements in design and materials.

• Increased Performance Requirements:

The worst-case scenario approach adopted in the EN 50399 test meant that cables had to perform under more severe conditions compared to pre-CPR national standards.

This raised the bar for fire safety, resulting in products that better limit flame spread and smoke production, enhancing overall fire safety for end users.

• Ongoing Adjustments:

Manufacturers continuously monitor and adapt production to maintain compliance with the Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP) requirements, ensuring that declared performance levels remain consistent over time.

Under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), manufacturers and suppliers have a legal obligation to ensure that their products consistently meet the declared performance levels outlined in the Declaration of Performance (DoP). If a product is found to no longer conform to its declared Euroclass or performance, strict measures are in place to address the issue:

• Manufacturer’s Immediate Responsibility
  • Information and discussion with the Notified body
  • The manufacturer must take corrective actions without delay. These actions may include:
  • Adjusting production processes to restore conformity.
  • Reassessing and testing the product to ensure compliance.
  • Amending or withdrawing the DoP if necessary.
• Market Surveillance and Sanctions

Market surveillance authorities can intervene if non-compliance is identified through inspections or complaints. Their actions may include:

• • Requiring corrective measures from the manufacturer or supplier.
  • Suspension or withdrawal of CE certification for the product.
  • Ordering the withdrawal of non-conforming products from the market or distributors.
  • In severe cases, requiring removal or deinstallation of affected products already in use.
     

The non-compliance can have serious legal and financial implications for the manufacturer, including damaging their reputation in the marketplace with legal penalties for failing to meet CPR obligations…

Public undertakings and private operators—such as railway network operators or power and telecom network operators—are obligated to adapt their specifications for cables used in permanent installations within construction works to the CPR classification system. This includes switching references from older, pre-CPR reaction-to-fire test methods to the Euroclasses defined by the CPR.

This requirement stems from Article 8.5 of the CPR, which emphasizes the following principles:

• Unrestricted Use of CE-Marked Products: Member States must ensure that construction products bearing the CE marking are not restricted by additional rules, conditions, or specifications imposed by public bodies or private entities acting under a public mandate or monopoly.
• Alignment with Declared Performance: Public and private operators are obligated to ensure that their requirements align with the declared performances of CE-marked products, as specified by the harmonized CPR classifications.

Regarding specification this leads :

• Uniformity in Fire Safety Standards: By adopting the CPR classification language, public undertakings ensure that cable specifications comply with harmonized European standards, facilitating free trade and uniform safety standards across the EU.
• Simplified Compliance: Aligning with CPR classifications eliminates the need for duplicative testing and ensures that procurement specifications are consistent with the CPR system, streamlining the compliance process.
• Avoidance of Legal Barriers: The adoption of CPR classifications ensures that public or publicly-mandated operators do not create trade barriers or impede the use of CE-marked cables, as doing so would violate the CPR’s provisions.

Yes, indeed. The preface to the CPR describes the general obligation of distributors as follows:

Distributors of construction products should be aware of the essential characteristics for which there are provisions on the Union market, and of the specific requirements in Member States in relation to the basic requirements for construction works, and should use this knowledge in their commercial transactions.

Moreover, distributors are subjected to obligations defined in Chapter III of the CPR.

When a distributor places on the market a product under his own name the distributor is considered a manufacturer.

Importers and Legal Representatives are also subjected to obligations defined in Chapter III of the CPR.

The obligations of manufacturers are set out in Article 11 of the CPR as follows:

• When a product is covered by a harmonised standard, the manufacturer shall draw up and keep for 10 years the Declaration of Performance (DoP) and affix the CE marking.

• Manufacturers shall ensure that series production maintains the declared performance. That their products bear their registered trade mark and contact address and elements allowing their identification and instructions and safety information.

• Manufacturers who consider that a product which they have placed on the market is not in conformity with the declaration of performance, shall immediately take the necessary corrective measures to bring that construction product into conformity, or, if appropriate, to withdraw or recall it.

The CPR should be applied without differences of interpretation by each Member State. The classification of performance is the common language to define the level of fire performance of cables (reaction to fire, and in future resistance to fire) and to be used in local regulations and in user requirements.

Any decision on which class to adopt for a particular application is a Member State matter and may vary between different Member States. The wide range of combinations of the parameters (Class + smoke + acidity + droplets) gives the Member States a great flexibility.

Not every Member State regulates the fire performances of cables when they are used.

The testing / certification procedure for CPR is in addition to any current voluntary Quality Marks. The severity of this burden is greater, the higher the level of performance declared. Tests required are more sophisticated moving up from Class Eca to Dca and higher (from small size flame test to full size fire scenario). Routines of continuous surveillance to certify the conformity to the DoP of the full production of Class Cca and B2ca cables under AVCP System 1+ is particularly strict and costly. The implementation of CPR impacts many company functions including technical, manufacturing, logistics, quality management and IT.

The new marking, labelling and electronic distribution of the DoPs has required a significant investment to ensure the complaint alignment of these new documents and texts for all applicable products and to provide availability of the documents to end-users. The CPR has also obliged suppliers to apply of new labelling onto all applicable products. In addition, DoPs have to remain available for 10 years after the production or a cable has ceased.

Most cables of Classes Dca and above required a full redesign to ensure the conformity of all types to the DoP. New materials have been developed in order to meet the requirements of the CPR performance classes and the additional classification requirements such as the production of flaming droplets.

For all cables of every level of performance there are severe consequences in case of non-conformity, including possible total withdrawal of the product from the market.
 

- Most of cables of Classes Dca and above required a full redesign to warrant the conformity of all types to the DoP. New materials have been developed on purpose to fulfil the new Euroclasses and the additional requirements like flaming droplets.

- For all cables of every level of performance much severe consequences in case of non conformity. Up to the total withdrawal of the production from the market.

Based on the information on the product label and in the DoP, each product is intended to be fully traceable to the manufacturer. Market surveillance authorities in each Member State are responsible for following up on any non-compliances.

No, under CPR, the only document that the end user is entitled to a copy of is the DoP for the product, in addition to any safety or related information the manufacturer chooses to provide.

The DoP shall be made available to users of the product (e.g., through a website) and shall be provided in the language or the languages required by the Member State where the product is made available, and on request, either in paper or in electronic form.

All the information supplied in the DoP is obtained by strictly applying the methods and criteria provided in the relevant harmonised standard.

The correct application of these methods and criteria are guaranteed by the manufacturer himself and by the appropriate involvement of a Notified Body, following the applicable system of Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP).  For reaction to fire for cables, applicable AVCP levels are 1+, 3 or 4, depending on the class of performance declared.

The affixing of CE marking follows the drawing up of the DoP and indicates that the manufacturer has strictly followed all the applicable procedures for drawing up the DoP which is consequently accurate and reliable.

Further information can be found in the Delegated Regulation No 574/2014 of 21 February 2014 on the model to be used for drawing up a declaration of performance on construction products, which may be found at : https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32014R0574

The manufacturer, by drawing up a DoP, assumes the responsibility for the conformity of the construction product with the declared performance.

Based on the information contained in the DoP, the user, under their own responsibility, makes their decision as to whether to purchase the product if it is suitable for the application intended.

The Annex ZZ of the harmonised product standard (for reaction to fire, EN 50575:2014+A1:2016) sets the CE marking (and all the necessary additional regulatory information) to be affixed to the product labels

Cables forwarded in the original packaging already carry the proper CE marking. In view of the specific nature of the product cable, the fulfilment of the obligation to forward the CE marking to the end-user is set by the CPR for manufacturers and all economic operators down to the supply chain, is possible exclusively through labels or accompanying documents such as the DoP. To print additional information on cables (e.g. the DoP code) doesn’t fulfil the obligation to forward the CE marking to end-users and it is not possible for a large set of cables.

LVD requires a Declaration of Conformity, CPR requires a Declaration of Performance. Therefore, one CE marking and two separate declarations are needed.

Voluntary quality marks can coexist with CE marking. While the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) provides a harmonized framework for assessing fire performance (currently reaction to fire and, in the future, resistance to fire), it is not a quality mark. Instead, it ensures compliance with minimum safety requirements across the European Union.

The voluntary national or regional quality marks, such as the HAR mark, remain important because they evaluate performance aspects beyond the scope of CPR. These marks may address:

• • Electrical characteristics, such as voltage or insulation resistance.
  • Mechanical and material properties, like flexibility, robustness, or sheath composition.
  • Specific cable designations (e.g., H05VV-F) that comply with standards such as IEC or CENELEC.

These marks often provide a broader assurance of product quality by integrating multiple performance attributes, making them complementary to the CPR.

Fire certifications issued under IEC, CENELEC, or national standards can still be used, but with certain conditions:

• • They are valid for applications outside the scope of the CPR, such as industrial or specialized settings not related to construction, or for markets outside the EU.
  • For CPR-regulated applications (permanent installations in buildings), only the harmonized EN standards referenced in the CPR can be used.

For CE-marked cables under CPR:

• • No conflicting references to fire tests outside the harmonized EN standards are allowed on cable markings, datasheets, or product documentation.
  • This ensures that all stakeholders, from manufacturers to end-users, rely on a unified system of performance evaluation for fire safety.

Currently, there are no harmonized European provisions—such as specific requirements or supporting test methods—related to the release of dangerous substances applicable to cables under the CPR. However, the approach to this topic is guided by the following considerations:

• National Regulations Take Precedence:

According to EN 50575:2014+A1:2016, the release of dangerous substances must comply with relevant national regulations where they exist. If no such national regulations are in place, the Declaration of Performance (DoP) should indicate “No Performance Determined (NPD)” for this aspect. In these cases, no reference to the release of dangerous substances is required on the CE Marking label.

• Compliance with REACH Regulation:

Regardless of the absence of harmonized provisions under the CPR, manufacturers must fulfill obligations under the Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH). This includes providing information about the potential content of hazardous substances (such as Substances of Very High Concern, or SVHCs) in cables. Such information must be supplied alongside the DoP, ensuring transparency and alignment with EU environmental and health standards.

• Scope of the Declaration:

The DoP focuses primarily on harmonized safety characteristics under the CPR, but it also serves as a mechanism to disclose compliance with other applicable EU regulations, such as REACH.

This dual purpose helps manufacturers demonstrate both product safety and environmental responsibility.

In summary, while the CPR itself does not currently prescribe harmonized requirements for the release of dangerous substances in cables, compliance with national regulations (where applicable) and REACH obligations remains essential. The inclusion of “NPD” in the DoP is a practical solution in the absence of specific national requirements, ensuring clear and consistent communication to the market.

Yes, the CE mark has validity across the European Union.  However, the DoP and other relevant information must be supplied in a language appropriate for the country to which it is supplied.

Yes, but conversely it is not allowed to use cables without the appropriate CE marking in cases where the application is regulated in the Member State.

In case of doubts, professionals and consumers can be confirmed of the authenticity of the CE-marking:

• asking their national Contact Point for Construction; or,
• asking the Notified Body whose number is stated on the DoP and on the product label.

The list of National Product Contact Points for Construction may be found here:

https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/construction/construction-products-regulation-cpr_en

Details of all Notified Bodies may be found in the NANDO database (select Product Family: Power, control and communication cables) here:

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/single-market-compliance-space/#/notified-bodies

The CPR requirements apply to all cables placed on the market in the EU irrespective of the country of production. This means the full CPR systems applies with testing, audits, AVCP…

This is the date when the CE mark was first affixed to a product. It is NOT the date of production of the cable.

Yes, indeed. A single CE mark is intended to cover all applicable directives / regulations. Under the CPR the CE mark must be accompanied, in the same place, by certain detailed information which it is not possible in practice to print directly onto the cable. Printing on the cable only the CE mark, without the necessary accompanying information, may be deemed to not legally comply with the requirements.

CE-marking will be a pre-condition to place cable for construction works on the market. The relevance of the CE marking under the CPR is the elimination of technical barriers to trade among the Member States arising from the definition of fire performances, as well as the uniform modality to attest the conformity of cables.

Voluntary national or regional quality marks cover other aspects of the product such as mechanical and electrical performances and dimensions and are unique tools to monitor the compliance with voluntary standards. Therefore, a comparison between the CE marking and voluntary or national quality marks is misleading because they are complementary.

Since 1st July 2017 the CE marking of cables for building and construction works has been mandatory for reaction to fire.

CE marking for resistance to fire will begin once a harmonised product standard covering this performance is published and cited in the OJEU. See section F. MEMBER STATE APPLICATION OF CPR