European Technical Assessment (ETA)
ETA - European Technical Assessment: A comprehensive guide for construction products
The European Technical Assessment (ETA), also known as European Technical Assessment, plays a central role in the market approval and certification of construction products in the European Union, Switzerland, Turkey and often also internationally. Especially for innovative or specialized construction products that are not covered by harmonized European standards (hEN), the ETA is an indispensable tool to enable free trade in the European single market and to ensure that construction products meet the required safety and performance standards.
Why is the European Technical Assessment (ETA) important?
The ETA is an official confirmation that a construction product, which is not covered by harmonized European standards, nevertheless meets the essential requirements for safety, reliability and environmental protection. Products that receive ETA approval can be labeled with the CE mark which enables the free movement of goods within the European Economic Area (EEA). LUX-top® ensures that all products meet the requirements for ETA approval.
Without an ETA, many specialized construction products cannot be placed on the European market as they do not meet the necessary requirements for CE marking.
The European Technical Assessment process
The ETA approval is based on a detailed technical assessment of the construction product by a so-called Technical Assessment Body (TAB). In Germany, this role is performed by the German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt)while comparable institutions are active in other countries. The process comprises several steps:
- Application: The manufacturer of the construction product submits an application for an ETA to a TAB.
- Test procedure: The product is subjected to a series of tests and inspections that vary depending on the type of product. These tests evaluate the performance of the product in categories such as load-bearing capacity, fire resistance, thermal insulation or sound insulation.
- Evaluation and documentation: Based on the test results, TAB prepares technical documentation in which the specific properties and performance of the product are recorded.
- Issuing the ETA: After successful testing and assessment, the ETA is issued. This contains a specific ETA number, which is affixed to the product together with the CE mark. This means that the product is approved for the European market and can be used in construction projects.
Advantages of the European Technical Assessment
The European Technical Assessment offers numerous advantages for manufacturers, building owners and consumers:
- Extended market access: With an ETA, construction products can be sold throughout the European single market and beyond.
- CE marking: Products with an ETA can bear the CE mark, which confirms their conformity with European directives and enables the free movement of goods within the EU. This considerably simplifies market access and relieves the burden of national approval procedures in the individual EU countries.
- Trustworthiness and quality: The ETA confirms that the product has undergone rigorous testing and assessment and meets the high European standards for construction products. This strengthens the confidence of building owners, architects and consumers in the quality and safety of products from LUX-top® products.
- Promoting innovation: Especially for innovative construction products that are not covered by harmonized standards, the ETA is a valuable opportunity to demonstrate their performance and facilitate market entry.
Areas of application of the ETA
The European Technical Assessment is used in many areas of the construction industry. These include, among others:
- Special insulation materials: Construction products that do not meet general European standards, such as innovative insulation materials or materials with special properties.
- Fall protection systems: Systems for fall protection that are not covered by DIN EN 795.
- Construction chemical products: Adhesives, sealants or resins that are used in construction projects but are not covered by the harmonized standards.
ETA and Construction Products Regulation
The ETA is based on the European Construction Products Regulation (CPR), which came into force in 2013. This regulation replaces the former Construction Products Directive and stipulates that all construction products placed on the market in the EU must comply with the requirements contained therein. The CPR also defines the framework conditions for ETA approval and the required declarations of performance.
Conclusion
The European Technical Assessment (ETA) is an essential tool for the certification and market approval of construction products that are not covered by harmonized standards. Thanks to the ETA, construction products can bear the CE mark and benefit from the free movement of goods in the EU, which significantly increases both market accessibility and confidence in the quality of these products.
