Historical Evolution of the Regulation on Construction Products (CPR)

1957: Treaty of Rome – Creation of the European Economic Community

The Treaty of Rome laid the foundations of the European Economic Community (EEC) with a key objective: to ensure the free movement of goods among Member States. This goal emerged from the identification of numerous trade barriers, such as differing fire-testing methods and certification procedures, which hindered the harmonization of construction product standards.

1986: Treaty Amendment – Introduction of Health and Safety Objectives

Amendments to the Treaty introduced Articles 100A and 118A, focusing on “Health and Safety.” These changes led to the adoption of Directive 89/106/EEC in 1988, establishing the Construction Products Directive (CPD). This directive defined six essential requirements for construction products:

1. Mechanical resistance and stability

2. Safety in case of fire

3. Hygiene, health and the environment

4. Safety in use

5. Protection against noise

6. Energy economy and heat retention

Within the scope of fire safety, several fundamental principles were established:

• The load-bearing capacity of the structure must be maintained for a specific period.
• The generation and spread of fire and smoke within the structure must be limited.
• The spread of fire to neighbouring structures must be minimized.
• Building occupants must be able to evacuate or be rescued safely.
• The safety of rescue teams must be considered.

These principles laid the groundwork for the concepts of Reaction to Fire and Fire Resistance in construction products.

1994: Interpretation Documents – Specification of Fire Safety Requirements for Electrical Installations

The CPD was further clarified through Interpretation Document No. 2 (ID2), which focused on electrical installations:

• Electrical installations must not be a source of fire.
• They must not actively contribute to fire development.
• Fire propagation must be limited.
• In the event of a fire, effective extinguishing and rescue measures must be possible.
• Construction products (e.g., transformers, cables) must comply with reaction-to-fire and fire-resistance requirements.

The document also emphasized the need either to protect circuits from fire or to use circuits that are inherently fire-resistant.

2009: Mandate M443

Mandate M443 was issued, entrusting CEN/CENELEC with the task of developing a system (standards, procedures, etc.) to allow notified bodies to certify product compliance under the CPR framework.

2011: Transition from Directive to Regulation

The CPD evolved into the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). As of 1 July 2013, the CPR became directly applicable in all EU Member States, making CE marking mandatory for the relevant products. Member States were then required to define their national requirements within the CPR framework.

2016: CPR Implementation Period

By mid-2016, the CPR became fully mandatory, with a one-year coexistence period allowing laboratories and certification bodies to adapt and become officially notified within the new regulatory framework.

2017: Application of the CPR to Cables – Reaction to Fire

Since July 2017, the CPR has officially applied to cables with regard to Reaction to Fire. However, work continues within CENELEC to develop rules addressing Fire Resistance in cables. These discussions must take into account upcoming revisions to the Construction Products Regulation, introducing new aspects such as the consideration of hazardous substance emissions and sustainability.

FAQ

What is the CPR (Construction Products Regulation) and why does it matter for cables?

The CPR governs construction products placed on the EU market. It requires harmonised performance assessment (including reaction to fire) and CE marking. For cables, it provides comparable performance classes across countries and standardised information to select the right fire-safety level.

 

What’s the difference between the Construction Products Directive (CPD) and the Construction Products Regulation (CPR)?

The CPD was a directive (implemented through national laws), while the CPR is a regulation directly applicable in all EU Member States. The CPR strengthens harmonisation, formalises the Declaration of Performance (DoP), and makes CE marking standard for covered products.

 

Since when has CE marking been mandatory for products covered by the CPR?

The CPR has applied since 1 July 2013. From that date, CE marking is required for covered products when a harmonised standard applies and a Declaration of Performance is issued.

 

Since when has the CPR applied to cables for reaction to fire?

Since July 2017, the CPR has officially applied to cables regarding reaction to fire (classification and performance communication), following an implementation phase that allowed labs and certification bodies to adapt.

 

What does “reaction to fire” mean for a cable?

Reaction to fire describes how a cable behaves when exposed to a fire source: its contribution to fire growth, flame spread, smoke release and, depending on the class, flaming droplets. It helps limit fire propagation and improve occupant safety.

 

What “fire safety” requirements were introduced at EU level through the CPD/CPR?

The CPD/CPR framework set key goals: maintain load-bearing capacity for a defined period, limit fire and smoke development/spread, minimise spread to neighbouring buildings, enable safe evacuation/rescue, and consider firefighter safety. These principles underpin product assessment, including cables, through reaction and resistance to fire concepts.

 

What does Interpretation Document 2 (ID2) specify for electrical installations?

ID2 states that electrical installations must not cause a fire or actively contribute to fire growth. It emphasises limiting fire spread and enabling effective firefighting/rescue measures. It also highlights that products (including cables) must meet reaction and/or resistance-to-fire requirements, and that certain circuits may need protection or inherently fire-resistant solutions depending on the application.

 

What is Mandate M/443 and what is its role in CPR certification?

Mandate M/443 tasked CEN/CENELEC with developing a system (standards, assessment procedures, certification frameworks) enabling notified bodies to certify product compliance under the CPR. It provides the harmonised technical basis to assess and attest performances (including reaction to fire) consistently across Europe.