Corus Strip Products UK adopts CE marking

31 Aug 2006

Corus Strip Products UK is set to CE mark the test certificates of its hot-rolled structural steels to demonstrate compliance with the European Construction Products Directive (CPD).

The Directive aims to ensure that products used as permanent parts of construction works are safe and reliable. Many of the steels used in such works are hot-rolled structural steels, which are covered by a new standard, EN 10025 : 2004. The standard comes fully into force on 1 September 2006.

Since the manufacture of a product determines its performance, the Construction Products Directive requires that manufacturers obtain independent approval of their quality systems and factory production controls. Manufacturers must issue a Declaration of Conformity showing details of the independent approval body. Only then can products be CE marked. Corus has obtained a Lloyd’s Register verification certificate and has recently issued a Declaration of Conformity to its customers.

Although the UK and Ireland have opted out of mandatory CE marking, material sold in these countries must still meet the requirements of the CPD.

Corus has taken the view that the easiest way for itself and its customers to prove compliance is for Corus to adopt CE marking. This eases the burden of proof for all members in the supply chain. Since contractors and builders are legally obliged to use material that meets the latest specification—and Trading Standards Officers can ask for proof—CE marking provides a ‘passport’ for trading the marked product in the European Economic Area.

Hot-rolled structural steels are the first to be covered by the CPD. Other steels will be included in future European legislation and Corus will seek accreditation to endorse those products with the CE mark.

Corus Strip Products UK has published leaflets about CE marking and about the new standard, which can be read and downloaded from this site (see right).