BWF members such as yourselves frequently use our Member and Technical Helplines for assistance on a wide range of Employment, Health and Safety, Pay and Technical issues. For the next few weeks, we’re putting up a frequently asked question every Tuesday in order to help members and illustrate the type of advice we are able to provide. If you have any questions that you would like to see featured, we would be happy to assist. This question and many others like it can be found in our Question Centre. If you want further advice on any of the issues, don’t hesitate to ring the helpline or browse our extensive publications library, which includes our guidance for installing timber windows on site and a whole range of in-depth technical assistance. This week: What is CE Marking? And is there a legal requirement to CE Mark timber windows? CE marking is a declaration by the manufacturer that the product meets all the appropriate provisions of the relevant legislation implementing certain European Directives. Therefore for the UK the legal requirements are those covered by the various building regulations in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. CE marking gives companies easier access into the European market to sell their products without adaptation or rechecking. The initials “CE” do not stand for any specific words but are a declaration by the manufacturer that his product meets the requirements of the applicable European Directive(s). All construction products installed in buildings in the UK must meet the requirements of the Construction Products Regulations (CPR). These basically require that any product used must be ‘fit for purpose’ and that manufacturers must be able to prove this. Two options are available: One is to provide test or performance data to show the level of performance. This may need to be checked by the building control authorities to ensure it meets their requirements. The second method is to use the CE marking route. This involves manufacturers showing that they have followed the requirements of the relevant European Product Standard, for timber windows this is BS EN 14351-1, which is limited to factory glazed windows. Therefore CE marking has a legal validity but is currently not the only legal possibility. Finland, Sweden and Ireland have also opted out of the enforcement of CE Marking and the current government position, as of August 2009, is outlined in the Impact of the European Commission’s Proposed Construction Products Regulation. This is also worth browsing for further backgound information on negotiations relating to the European Commission’s proposed Construction Products Regulation (CPR) which aims to address some perceived problems with the CPD. CE Marking is also featured in this weeks edition of ‘Join-In’. BWF Members can follow this link for even more information.