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Companies interested in supplying adhesives for use in construction works in the European Union must follow the requirements of the Construction Products Regulation 2011 (CPR 2011).
This guide is limited to requirements under the CPR 2011 for companies whose adhesives are covered by harmonised standards, which are subject to specific requirements. For instance, requirements relate to instructions, CE marking, and declaration of performance.
Here are examples of adhesives that are subject to harmonised standards under the CPR 2011:
- Adhesives for tiles
- Gypsum based adhesives
- Adhesives for thermoplastic piping systems
- General purpose adhesives for structural assembly
Note: The guide does not cover other regulations that may be relevant for adhesives, such as the REACH Regulation.
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Harmonised standards for adhesives
Certain adhesives used in the construction industry are subject to harmonised standards under the CPR 2011. Manufacturers of such adhesives must draw up a declaration of performance, affix the CE marking, and draft instructions.
When a harmonised standard for your product exists, you must also apply the system of assessment and verification of constancy of performance mentioned in the standards. Depending on the system, you may need to contact a notified body.
Thus, one of the first steps to complying with the requirements of the regulation is to assess whether the adhesive is subject to any harmonised standards, such as any of the following:
EN 12004 – Adhesives for tiles – Requirements, evaluation of conformity, classification and designation
EN 12860 – Gypsum based adhesives for gypsum blocks – Definitions, requirements and test methods
EN 14496 – Gypsum based adhesives for thermal/acoustic insulation composite panels and plasterboards – Definitions, requirements and test methods
EN 14680 – Adhesives for non-pressure thermoplastic piping systems – Specifications
EN 14814 – Adhesives for thermoplastic piping systems for fluids under pressure – Specifications
EN 14891 – Liquid-applied water impermeable products for use beneath ceramic tiling bonded with adhesives – Requirements, test methods, evaluation of conformity, classification and designation
EN 15274 – General purpose adhesives for structural assembly – Requirements and test methods
EN 15275 – Structural adhesives – Characterisation of anaerobic adhesives for co-axial metallic assembly in building and civil engineering structures
Note that we only listed standards that contain the word “adhesive” in their titles. There are also harmonised standards that apply to certain binding agents used in the construction industry, like cement and sealants.
By reading the descriptions found on the CEN-CENELEC site for some of the above standards, we found that these standards contain information like specifications on the values of performance requirements for the adhesive, definitions, test methods, methods of assessment, and intended use.
Declaration of performance (DoP)
When a harmonised standard covers a specific adhesive, the manufacturer must draw up a declaration of performance following the model set out in Annex III of the CPR 2011. The declaration identifies the responsible company (i.e. the manufacturer) for ensuring that the adhesive’s performance conforms with the CPR 2011 requirements. Other content requirements are contained in Article 6 of the regulation.
The declaration is created based on the technical documentation for the adhesive. A copy of the declaration should be supplied with the adhesive in paper or electronic form in accordance with Article 7 of the CPR 2011, and the manufacturer should keep the original declaration for 10 years.
CE marking requirements
The CE marking must be affixed when the manufacturer draws up the declaration of performance, which is, in turn, required when a harmonised standard exists. Additionally, certain information listed in Article 9 of the CPR 2011 must follow the CE marking, like information on intended use.
Other labelling requirements
The CPR 2011 requires the adhesive to come with the following labelling information:
- Product information (e.g., batch number or model number)
- Manufacturer’s name and contact address
Note that information about placement requirements is found in Article 11.
Instructions
Instructions and safety information must be provided with the adhesive. It may also be the case that the harmonised standard contains requirements for the instructions that must be provided.
Technical documentation
If the adhesive is subject to a harmonised standard under CPR 2011, you must create the declaration of performance on the basis of technical documentation. According to Article 11 of the regulation, the technical documentation should contain a description of all the relevant elements related to the required system of assessment and verification of constancy of performance.
In general, the relevant harmonised standards specify the system of assessment found in Annex V needed for assessing the performance of the adhesive.
Product testing
The manufacturer should test the product to show that it conforms to the applicable harmonised standards and the CPR 2011 requirements. This is typically done by sending adhesive samples to a third-party lab testing company.
Here are some examples of different tests for adhesives used for construction works that are subject to harmonised standards:
- Reaction to fire testing
- Release of dangerous substances testing
- Tests related to load-bearing
Once the samples are tested, the manufacturer can expect to receive lab test reports from the testing company. The test reports serve as evidence that the adhesive complies with CPR 2011 requirements.
FAQ
Are all adhesives covered by the CPR?
The CPR 2011 covers products that meet the definition of “construction product” in Article 2 of the regulation. Thus, the regulation does not cover all adhesives (for example, the regulation would not cover glues used in classrooms for arts and crafts).
Is CE marking required for adhesives in the EU?
When the adhesive is subject to a harmonised standard under CPR 2011, the manufacturer must create a declaration of performance. In turn, when the declaration is created, the adhesive must have the CE marking in accordance with Article 9 of the regulation.
Are there harmonised standards for adhesives?
Yes, there are harmonised standards for specific adhesives used for construction works. Here are some examples:
EN 12004 – Adhesives for tiles – Requirements, evaluation of conformity, classification and designation
EN 12860 – Gypsum based adhesives for gypsum blocks – Definitions, requirements and test methods
EN 15274 – General purpose adhesives for structural assembly – Requirements and test methods
Do we need to involve a notified body?
Harmonised standards specify the system of assessment from Annex V of the CPR 2011 that the manufacturer must apply to assess the performance of the adhesive. The system of assessment and verification mentions the tasks for the manufacturer, and if a notified body is necessary.
