
Richard Hurst provides an expert introduction to the world of construction products & the water industry
During the late 80s the EU considered the use of products used within the building industry and introduced the Construction Products Directive (CPD) (Council Directive 89/106/EEC). The Directive was designed to improve the safety of building design and the products used and to harmonise the national laws of the EU member states to ensure free movement of goods used by the European construction industry.
The CPD covered a wide range of products, ranging from the tiles on the roof to the hinges on the door, the glass of a shower screen or glue for door veneers: it applied to any product ‘produced for incorporation in a permanent manner in construction works, including both buildings and civil engineering works’.
On 1 July 2013, the CPD was withdrawn and replaced by the Construction Products Regulation (305/2011/EU). The objectives of the replacement Regulation remain those of the Directive. Implications for water arise from regulatory issues as well as health and safety. Water