High requirements for construction products in Europe
Construction affects key public safety interests, such as the protection of life, health and the environment. A key factor for this safety is the use of reliable and efficient construction products.
The provision of construction products on the EU internal market follows the requirements of the EU Construction Products Regulation. A distinction must be made between two key aspects: The making available of a construction product on the market and its use in the respective Member State.
Harmonized European Standards (hENs) and European Technical Assessments (ETAs) play a central role in the provision of construction products on the market at EU level, while Construction Technical Approvals (BTZs) play a central role at national level in Austria. These instruments form the basis for making products available on the market in a legally compliant manner in the internal market or, in Austria only, on the market. An ETA or BTZ can be applied for and obtained via the OIB in its role as the Austrian Technical Assessment Body (TAB – the abbreviation is derived from the English “Technical Assessment Body”).
The use of a construction product – i.e. its installation in a building – and the requirements for this are regulated by the respective EU member state. With regard to safe and legally compliant use in Austria, the Building Material Lists ÖE and ÖA are particularly relevant: they define the requirements for the use of construction products. The lists of building materials are drawn up by the Austrian federal states in cooperation with the OIB and published by the OIB as ordinances.
Successful on the market together
The OIB offers comprehensive support and information on compliance with these requirements and guides economic operators through the necessary procedures.
In its function as the only Technical Assessment Body (TAB) in Austria, the OIB issues Technical Approvals for Construction Products (BTZ) and European Technical Assessments (ETAs), which are essential bases for the marketing of construction products. As a product information center for the construction industry, the OIB provides information free of charge on the conditions of use of the ÖA and ÖE building material lists.
The OIB helps economic operators to bring construction products onto the market in compliance with the law – in Austria and throughout the EU single market.
We are happy to advise you and support you every step of the way.
