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The revised Construction Products Regulation (CPR) (EU) 2024/3110 became applicable on 8th January 2026. While this marks a major policy shift, the transition will be gradual and structured through the Commission’s first CPR Working Plan 2026–2029 and the Department of Housing Information Note (January 2026).
The Department’s Information Note summarises the CPR as follows: “The CPR 2024 ensures the smooth functioning of the single market and the free movement of construction products in the EU. It does so mainly through harmonised technical specifications, which provide a common technical language on how to assess and communicate the performance of construction products (e.g. reaction to fire, thermal conductivity, sound insulation properties, etc.). The CPR 2024 ensures that reliable information is available to professionals, public authorities and consumers, so that they can compare the performance of construction products from different manufacturers in different EU Member States.”
The key message for contractors is clear: this is not a “big bang” reform. Existing harmonised standards under CPR 2011 remain valid until they are replaced, and the full transition will likely take a decade or more.
Which product families move first?
The Commission has confirmed a priority order for updating and developing harmonised technical specifications. The earliest and most advanced families include:
- Precast concrete products
- Structural metallic products and ancillaries
- Reinforcing and prestressing steel
- Cement, building limes and hydraulic binders
- Doors, windows and related building hardware
- Thermal insulation systems (including ETICS)
- Flat glass products
- Structural timber and wood-based panels
These are high-volume, high-safety and high-carbon product groups. They also align with EU climate and housing priorities. For example, cement standards will incorporate environmental sustainability elements and are linked to the Clean Industrial Deal, including proposals for a cement carbon label.
Later waves (2027–2029) will include floorings, road products, building kits and prefabricated elements, gypsum, space heating appliances, roof coverings (including PV panels), fixings, membranes, sanitary appliances and cables.
What this means in practice
Under CPR 2024:
- Environmental performance over the life cycle (including global warming potential) will be progressively embedded in product declarations.
- A Digital Product Passport (DPP) system will be introduced once operational, applying to products regulated under the new CPR .
- Manufacturers must provide more structured digital Declarations of Performance and Conformity (DoPC).
For contractors, this means:
- Early impact will be felt in structural elements, cement, steel, insulation and envelope systems.
- Procurement teams should expect progressively updated Declarations of Performance and Conformity (DoPC) and additional environmental data requirements.
- Public procurement may increasingly favour products with verified sustainability data.
A managed transition
Harmonised standards under CPR 2011 remain valid until replaced. European Assessment Documents remain valid until at least 2031 unless replaced. This confirms that contractors have time to adjust systems and to engage suppliers.
CIF members are encouraged to review guidance available on the ESG section of the CIF website, including:
- Construction Products Europe (CPE) Construction Products Regulation
- SBS EBC – An SME’s Guide: All you need to know about the Construction Products Regulation
CPR 2024 represents a structural evolution toward a more digital, traceable and environmentally transparent product market. Firms that begin engaging early with suppliers in priority product categories will be best positioned as the Working Plan progresses through 2026–2029 and beyond.