What is an ETA?

The European Technical Assessment (ETA) is a document providing information on the assessment of the performance of a construction product, in relation to its essential characteristics. This definition is provided in the new Construction Products Regulation (EU/305/2011) entered into force on 1st of July 2013 in all European Members States and in the European Economic Area.

The ETA provides a way for the manufacturer to CE-mark a product. The ETA can be issued in the following cases:

• The product is not or not fully covered by any harmonised technical specification such as European Assessment Documents (EADs) or European Standards (hENs)
• The product is covered by a European Assessment Document (EAD)
  

The ETA is valid in all 28 European Member States and those of the European Economic Area, as well as in Switzerland. It may be recognised also in countries where a mutual recognition agreement is concluded with the European Community. The ETA is the basis for a Declaration of Performance (DoP) by the manufacturer.

The ETA creates confidence in the performance of the essential characteristics of a construction product for its intended use. The ETA contributes to the free movement of construction products and thus to the Single European Market.

An ETA is delivered by a Technical Assessment Body (TAB) upon request by a manufacturer (or its authorised representative being established within the European Union).

An ETA contains the following information:

• General information on the manufacturer and the product type
• Description of the product and its intended use
• Performances of the product and references to the methods used for its assessment
• Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance systems (AVCP) applied
• Technical details necessary for the implementation of the AVCP

An ETA which has been issued after 1st of July 2013 is valid of indeterminate duration. On the EOTA website the actual ETAs are published.

What is important to know about the changes from 1st of July 2013 with regards to ETAs?

ETAs which were issued up to 30 June 2013 (so called European Technical Approvals) remain valid until the end of their validity period. They can be used as European Technical Assessments. This type of ETAs will disappear from the market throughout the year 2018. These ETAs are based on ETA Guidelines or issued upon common agreement of the Approval Bodies.

As of 1st of July 2013 ETAs are based on European Assessment Documents (EADs).