SCI advises on CE Marking for steel construction

The SCI has issued advice on the impact of CE Marking on the steel construction industry.

SCI said all construction products covered by a harmonised European Standard are required by law to be CE Marked from 1 July 2013. The one exception to this is products covered by BS EN 1090 (typically fabricated steel used in buildings, bridges, towers and masts) where CE Marking is not mandatory until 1 July 2014.

Harmonised standards are central to the CE marking process. They declare everything that a manufacturer needs to do in order to achieve CE Marking. If a construction product is not covered by a harmonised standard, a European Technical Approval provides an alternative route to CE Marking.

SCI said it has experience of developing European Technical Approvals to cover unique construction products. A manufacturer can then progress towards CE Marking, supported by a third party Notified Body who undertakes the assessment of factory production control. With a Notified Body, SCI can assist manufacturers in the CE Marking process by developing the necessary European Technical Approval where a harmonized standard does not exist.

SCI’s support for manufacturers wishing to CE Mark their product includes developing a European Technical Approval if necessary, arranging any testing that is required and analysis of test results. Manufacturers will also need the support of a Notified Body (such as SCCS) to undertake assessment of the factory production control.