Assessment of the compliance of innovative construction materials and products in the context of the implementation of regulation (EU) No. 305/2011 (CPR)

Introduction. In the current context of the transformation of Ukraine’s construction sector, the issues of market access and conformity assessment of innovative construction materials and products are key to ensuring sustainable recovery and infrastructure development, as well as integration into the European market. At the same time, the de facto cancellation of the regulatory framework for technical specifications (TU) has created significant challenges for the conformity assessment of such products, since domestic procedures for determining the technical suitability of construction products differ from European ones.

Problem statement. This article examines the legal and procedural aspects of conformity assessment of innovative construction materials in the context of the implementation of Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 (CPR) and the new Regulation (EU) 2024/3110. Particular attention is paid to products not covered by harmonized European standards (EN) and therefore requiring the application of a European Assessment Document (EAD), a new national standard, or technical specifications (TU). The author analyzes the specific features of the procedures for developing a European Assessment Document (EAD) and obtaining a European Technical Assessment (ETA) on its basis, as well as domestic procedures for determining the technical suitability of construction products.

Objective. To explore the mechanisms of conformity assessment of innovative construction materials in Ukraine not covered by hENs, and to propose solutions to the existing problems in the context of the implementation of Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011 (CPR) and the forthcoming implementation of Regulation (EU) 2024/3110.

Materials and methods: Analysis of current Ukrainian and EU legislation, comparative analysis of Ukrainian and European systems for determining the technical suitability of construction products.

Results. Significant shortcomings in the mechanisms of conformity assessment of innovative construction products have been identified compared to European approaches (including two different mechanisms for determining the technical suitability of construction products—via EAD and via DSTU, the need for manufacturers of innovative construction products to finance the development of new DSTUs, the insufficient number and limited scope of designated Technical Assessment Bodies and testing laboratories, the lack of opportunities for recognition of EADs by Ukrainian product certification bodies, etc.).

Conclusions. Practical recommendations have been proposed to address the identified problems, requiring coordinated efforts of public authorities, donors, research institutions, construction product manufacturers, and conformity assessment bodies.

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