When does the new CPR come into force?  

The new CPR Regulation 2024/3110 came into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ), on January 7, 2025. It applies from January 8, 2026, except for the articles related to the development of standards [Article 1, Article 2, Article 3, Article 4, Article 5 §§ 1 to 7, Article 7 § 1, Article 9, Article 10, Article 12 § 1 first paragraph, Article 16 § 3, Article 37 § 4, Article 63, Article 89, and Article 90], as well as Annexes I, II, III, IV, VII, IX, and X, which apply from January 7, 2025.  
Article 92 (penalties) applies from January 8, 2027.  

What are the main objectives of the new Regulation?  

The main objectives of the new CPR are:  

• Creating an efficient single market for construction products.  
• Contributing to the green and digital transition by promoting a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy.  
• Improving the environmental sustainability of construction products.  

Which products are covered by the new CPR?  

The regulation applies to all construction products intended to be permanently incorporated into construction works, including products manufactured through 3D printing. It also includes essential components of construction products and parts or materials intended for the manufacture of such products, at the request of the manufacturer.  

What is the Digital Product Passport (DPP)?  

The new CPR 2024 introduces the digitalization of construction product information to enhance transparency, compliance, and traceability. The Digital Product Passport (DPP) will collect performance data, sustainability information, usage instructions, and certifications, and it will be managed by a centralized EU system with controlled access.  

Main innovations:  

• Digital declarations (DoP, DoC) in electronic, non-editable format.  
• Use of permanent links (permalinks) to ensure consistently accessible information.  
• Mandatory digital database for economic operators.  
• Integration with BIM to improve digital building design.  

How should the definition of "used product" be interpreted in the new Construction Products Regulation (CPR) 2024?  

The definition refers to construction products that:  

1. Are not considered waste or have ceased to be waste under Directive 2008/98/EC (the EU Waste Framework Directive).  
2. Have already been installed at least once in a construction work.  
3. Can be reused, under the following conditions:  

Option a): The product has undergone only inspection, cleaning, or repair operations to be made usable again, without requiring further processing.  
Option b): The product has been modified beyond simple cleaning or repair, but this transformation process is not considered essential for the product’s performance according to harmonized technical specifications.  

This definition is important as it allows material reuse in line with circular economy principles and clarifies when a product is no longer waste and can be reintroduced to the market without needing to be certified as new.  

What is the CPR Acquis?  

It is the most important working group within the new CPR, responsible for reviewing and updating harmonized technical specifications for construction products.  
Essentially, the CPR Acquis is an initiative launched by the European Commission, involving various expert groups and stakeholders (including industries, standardization bodies, national authorities, and notified bodies) that collaborate to define priorities and develop new harmonized technical specifications.  

Their role in implementing the CPR includes:  

• Discussing draft implementing acts.  
• Assisting in drafting delegated acts.  
• Establishing agendas and priorities.  

Subgroups develop preparatory technical discussions for SR (Standardization Requests), which are the mandates the European Commission assigns to standardization bodies.  

What is the relationship between ESPR and CPR?  

Regulation (EU) 1781/2024, known as ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation), aims to improve the environmental sustainability of products placed on the European market.  
A product must be accompanied by specific data regarding its sustainability (e.g., CO2 emissions, recycled material content), and certain products must meet minimum standards for efficiency, durability, recyclability, or carbon footprint reduction.  

The ESPR applies to finished products, components, and intermediate materials, meaning that not only final products sold to consumers but also the materials and components used in manufacturing must meet specific sustainability criteria.  

The ESPR and the new Construction Products Regulation (CPR 2024) are complementary but have distinct roles:  

• The CPR regulates finished construction products, ensuring safety and performance standards for buildings remain under its control.  
• The ESPR also covers intermediate materials and components, regulating their sustainability before they are assembled into a construction product.  

General rule: For construction products, in case of overlap, CPR provisions should prevail over ESPR's general rules to avoid regulatory conflicts.