On 30 October, stakeholders across the construction sector gathered for a conference on the new Construction Products Regulation (CPR), hosted by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship, and SMEs (DG GROW). The event, part of the European Commission’s ongoing efforts to enhance the construction sector’s regulatory framework, offered a full day of panel discussions and presentations that aimed to explain the updated provisions of the new regulation. The conference brought together more than 1000 industry representatives, policymakers, and experts, to explore, among others, the digital and environmental implications for the construction ecosystem.
Main topics discussed
The conference commenced with an opening speech by Kerstin Jorna, Director-General of DG GROW, who underscored the crucial role of digitalisation in facilitating compliance and ensuring manufacturers have access to comprehensive technical information. The initial sessions provided an overview of the regulatory framework, emphasising the integration of environmental sustainability and the evolving basic requirements for construction works. This was followed by a discussion on the interactions with other EU legislations. The subsequent session focused on the structure of the new CPR and concept of harmonised zone and its interface with national legal frameworks, examining the CPR working plan and the harmonised approach that would shape the market landscape.
In the afternoon, discussions turned to more specific aspects of CPR implementation, including the role of standardisation within the regulatory framework, the push towards digitalisation in documentation, and the transition process to the new CPR. The necessity for collaboration during the preparation of standardisation requests was emphasised, along with the importance of utilising up-to-date standards. The conversation on digitalisation highlighted efforts to provide accessible digital information cost-effectively, particularly through the use of Digital Product Passports to enhance transparency.
EBC’s intervention
On behalf of EBC and Small Business Standards (SBS), EBC Technical Officer Evangelia Tsiala intervened in the session focused on the changes affecting economic operators, next to Vanessa Pereira representing Construction Products Europe.
She addressed the SME-related shortcomings identified in the current CPR, such as unclear simplification procedures and limited awareness of existing compliance processes. She outlined how the new CPR seeks to rectify these issues through improved definitions and greater flexibility in compliance requirements for micro and small enterprises. She also stressed the importance of support via Product Points for Construction in each Member State to guide SMEs toward compliance, as well as the need for collaboration among all stakeholders.
In support of the Guide for SMEs currently in development by SBS, EBC called for clear guidance from the European Commission on topics requiring a common understanding among various actors. This encompasses detailed steps regarding manufacturers’ responsibilities, especially concerning the use of sustainability software, which should be, according to EBC and SBS, available in all EU languages. Additionally, EBC highlighted the necessity for clear explanations regarding the DPP and the interconnections between the CPR and other EU legislation.
Next steps
The event underscored the importance of a balanced regulatory approach under the new CPR, especially for SMEs. EBC’s intervention reinforced our commitment to ensuring that SMEs can navigate the new CPR landscape without undue burdens. As the new regulations will soon roll out, EBC will continue to work closely with the European Commission, fostering a supportive environment where construction SMEs and craftsmen can thrive.
 | To watch the livestreaming of the CPR conference of the European Commission, click here |