M/447 - Construction Products

Purpose

This mandate relates to the amendment of the horizontal complement to existing mandates given to the European standardisation organisations CEN and CENELEC. The focus is on the standardisation work for evaluating construction products and elements, specifically regarding their fire resistance characteristics.

Standardisation request

The mandate requests that CEN and CENELEC carry out or update standardisation work concerning the methods and criteria used to assess the fire resistance of construction products and elements. This ensures harmonised evaluation approaches across the EU market, supporting the implementation of relevant construction product regulations and safety requirements.

Expected deliverables

The deliverables would typically include updated or new European standards specifying test methods, classification systems, and performance criteria for the fire resistance of construction products and elements. These standards aim to provide clear, reliable evaluation procedures that can be applied consistently within all EU member states.

Context

This amendment builds upon prior mandates directed at CEN and CENELEC regarding construction product standardisation, particularly those related to fire safety. The decision referenced (CEN/BT C69/2009) concerns the approval or disapproval of this mandate amendment. Fire safety in construction is a critical area of EU regulatory focus to enhance building safety and facilitate the free movement of construction products within the single market.