If your product is a "Construction Product" for which a Harmonised Technical Specification or a European Technical Assessment (ETA) exists, it needs a CE Mark affixed and a Declaration of Performance before it can be placed on the market.

A Construction Product is defined as: A product or ‘kit’ which is produced and placed on the market for permanent incorporation in construction works, and whose performance influences at least one of the basic requirements for works

The harmonised technical specification for a construction product specifies methods for assessing and declaring all the performance characteristics required by regulations in any Member State which affect the ability of construction products to meet seven basic requirements for construction works. These cover :

1. Mechanical resistance and stability

2. Safety in case of fire

3. Hygiene, health and environment

4. Safety and accessibility in use

5. Protection against noise

6. Energy economy and heat retention

7. Sustainable use of natural resources.

The system of Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP) is the system by which one determines the level of third party involvement in assessing and/or testing a product for conformity. There are 5 such systems

• System 1+

• System 1

• System 2+

• System 3

• System 4.

The system under which a product must be assessed is specified in the Harmonised Standard. Depending on which system applies, there may be a need for independent third party testing, auditing, continuous surveillance by notified bodies, factory production control, determination of product type by a notified laboratory, or manufacturer's tasks.

Information on Notified Bodies under the Construction Products Regulation is provided via the Nando (New Approach Notified and Designated Organisations) Information System on the European Commission website.