The following three terms are defined in Construction Product Regulation 305/2011 (CPR) and belong together.
EOTA – European Organisation for Technical Assessment
is a non-profit organisation in the area of construction products, based in Brussels. It associates „TABs“ (Technical Assessment Bodies) which are institutes authorised to issue ETAs and prepare EADs. The internal dialogues and commenting rounds within EOTA ensure the harmonisation of the documents issued. Link to the EOTA website
EAD – European Assessment Document
is a document adopted by the organisation of TABs for the purposes of issuing European Technical Assessments. In essence, an EAD is a substitute for a harmonised standard where it does not exist for a specific product family. The advantage is that the document is prepared much faster than a harmonised standards – the process takes approximately 1-2 years. The manufacturer initiating the procedure can shape the scope of the document and the range of characteristics assessed. List of published EADs
ETA – European Technical Assessment
is a documented assessment of the performance of a construction product, in relation to its essential characteristics, in accordance with the respective European Assessment Document. In principle, it is a sophisticated test report. It must not be confused with a Declaration of Performance (DoP) or a certificate. But it is a precondition to those. Only members of EOTA can issue an ETA.
The procedure
Following EOTA procedures is a voluntary thing. It allows the manufacturer to issue a DoP and CE-mark the product. The motivation to have an ETA is mostly based on:
- avoiding national certification in a number of EU countries
- marketing support based on the public recognition of CE-marking
- competition with other CE-marked products
After the manufacturer makes the decision to undergo the procedure, the first thing to do is to check the list of existing EADs. If a suitable EAD exists, the manufacturer can apply for an ETA. Or, the manufacturer can apply for an EAD at any TAB authorised for the product area. It is also possible to apply for an amendment of an existing EAD when it does not fit the needs of the manufacturer. If a development of a new or amended EAD is needed, it is done by the TAB in charge – in cooperation with the manufacturer and other TABs where a consensus of all TABs is necessary.
The process of EAD development can be initatied very quickly as no mandate by the European Commission is needed. Of course, there are several conditions which must be met. For instance, the product must not be covered already by a harmonised standard.
Once the EAD is adopted, an ETA can be prepared. The ETA is drafted on basis of results of assessment (tests, calculations…) and sent for a consultation to other TABs authorised in that product area. After a possible dialogue between the TABs, the ETA is issued. This is the last step only when the AVCP system is 3 or 4! Under other AVCP systems, a Notified Body has to be contracted to perform certification. Only then a DoP and CE-marking can be used with the product.
The process also involves intervention of the European Commission which decides finally about the harmonisation (citation in the OJEU) of the EAD. It is only possible when the European Commission finds the document compliant with all the requirements for a harmonised technical specification.
Summary
EOTA procedures offer an interesting option to promote and facilitate product marketing which can benefit from CE marking. It requires some budget and patience though to reach the goal.