What Is the CE Marking ?

CE stands for Conformite' Europeenne, which translated literally means " European Conformity ".

The CE mark is a products passport for entry into the EEA (European Economic Area) and indicates that the product complies with the requirements of the applicable European Directive.

For construction products the European Directive is the Construction Products Directive (89/106/EEC).

The CPD Identifies the essential requirements for products (and total projects) such that they are fit for intended use as:

• Mechanical resistance and stability
• Safety in case of fire
• Hygiene, health and environment
• Safety in use
• Protection against noise
• Energy economy and heat retention

For suspended ceilings the way in which we must test and communicate performance for these essential requirements has been defined in a new standard, which is expected to become available by the end of 2004: EN 13964 Suspended Ceilings - Requirements and Test Methods.

What does this mean?

This standard identifies how the ceiling components must be tested against the essential requirements to identify a performance classification. It also indicates how the manufacturer must ensure that their products maintain these levels of performance on an ongoing basis.

It is currently estimated that by the start of 2006, it will become mandatory for all suspeded ceilings and caccompanying suspension systems (in the scope of EB 13964) to carry the CE mary and the accompanying essential requirement test information. Once the mandatory date has been defined and has passed, non-CE marked materials will be saleable into the EEA.

What Happens Next?
Our manufacturers are committed to working with this new standard and ensuring that the transition from current to new test standards will be an invisible and seamless one for our customers. If there are any queries on this or a related issue, please contact us.