What is an ETA?

The European Technical Assessment (ETA) provides an independent Europe-wide procedure for assessing the essential performance characteristics of non-standard construction products.

The ETA offers manufacturers a voluntary route to CE marking, when the product is not or not fully covered by a harmonised standard (hEN) under the Construction Products Regulation (EU) 305/2011.

CE marking based on the ETA allows manufacturers to freely market their product on the entire European internal market and introduce innovative products and new product features with short lead times. The ETA procedure offers an array of further advantages:

A recognition that goes beyond Europe

ETAs are recognised throughout Europe in all countries participating in the ETA procedure. The ETA also has a high international standing.

Objectivity and independence

Only independent Technical Assessment Bodies (TABs) may issue ETAs. The independent assessment strenghtens the crediblility of the product performance information, enhances market transparency and builds customer trust.

Free circulation

ETAs are a relevant tool to promote free circulation of construction products.

Short times-to-market

The ETA route is an efficient procedure ensuring the shortest possible processing time.

Transparency

ETAs provide reliable product performance information that is comparable across Europe based on harmonised technical specifications, the European Assessment Documents (EADs).

CE marking improves sales

The ETA procedure allows manufacturers to affix the CE marking to construction products for which no harmonised standard exists. With the ETA, the product can be traded freely on the European internal market.

The ETA procedure

Facts to know about the ETA procedure

  • The ETA procedure is open to construction product manufacturers in all product areas, irrespective of whether or in which manner the products are nationally regulated.
  • Manufacturers may use the voluntary ETA route to CE mark their product if it is not fully covered by an already existing harmonised standard (hEN).
  • Manufacturers can submit an ETA request to any Technical Assessment Body (TAB) designated for the product area in question by a Member State. The TAB will guide the manufacturer through the procedure as the reponsible TAB (RTAB)
  • The ETA will be based on a European Assessment Document (EAD), which is a harmonised technical specification developed by EOTA as a basis for the ETA.
  • If the product in question is not yet (completely) covered by an existing EAD, EOTA will develop a new, or adapt an existing, European Assessment Document.

 

Legal framework

The legal framework for the ETA route to CE marking is the Construction Products Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 (CPR), see in particular, Articles 19, 20, 22, 24 and 25 as well as Annex II.
 

CE marking based on an ETA

The ETA is the basis for a Declaration of Performance (DoP) which the manufacturer is required to draw up in accordance with the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) before CE-marking his product. The CE marking allows the manufacturer to freely market his product on the European internal market. By affixing the CE marking to the product, the manufacturer confirms that his product is in line with the applicable EU legislation and takes responsibility for the conformity of this product with the declared performance. To find out more details, read the 'Step by step guide' for CE marking of construction products.

Find out how to apply for an ETA

FAQs

ETAs contain:

  • Details on the manufacturer (ETA holder) and manufacturing plant(s),
  • Applicable European Assessment Document
  • Trade name and description of the product and its intended use(s),
  • Product performance and references to the methods used for the assessment,
  • Applicable AVCP system(s) and technical details necessary for the implementation of the AVCP system.

The ETA is valid in all EU Member States and those of the European Economic Area, as well as in Switzerland and Turkey. But it is also often accepted as technical documentation in other parts of the world.

ETAs issued after the 1 July 2013, i.e. European Technical Assessments,are valid for an indefinite period of time.

You can find the references of all European Technical Assessments issued by EOTA TABs in the ETA database here.


The costs for issuing a European Technical Assessment vary from case to case. Technical Assessment Bodies will provide you with a cost estimate.

Go to the list of Technical Assessment Bodies (TABs)

On average, the ETA procedure takes approx. five months if no EAD needs to be developed.

If your product is not entirely covered by an existing EAD, a new EAD needs to be developed or an existing one amended. The Construction Products Regulation allows a processing time of approx. nine months for this procedure.

Beyond averages and from practical experience, the actual processing time for an ETA depends mainly on the complexity and scope of the assessment, the time required for testing, the speed of communication between the manufacturer and the Technical Assessment Body as well prior experience with the procedure.

Additional information

In case you have any questions, please refer to the full list of FAQs on our FAQ page.