On 21 December 1998, the Council of the European Community issued a Directive concerning harmonisation of the legislative, regulatory and administrative provisions of Member States concerning construction products “DPC 89/106/EEC”, amended on 22 July 1993 by Directive 93/68/EEC.

The objectives of “DPC 89/106/EC” are as follows:

- to eliminate trade barriers between Member States
- to ensure structures comply with the following essential requirements : mechanical strength, safety in the case of fire, health, hygiene and the environment, safety in use, protection against noise, energy saving and heat insulation.

It applies to construction products when the essential conditions for structures are applicable.

A construction product is a product manufactured with a view to its long-term incorporation in constructions, buildings and civil engineering structures.

CE marked construction products are covered by a mandate issued by the Commission.

                                                                                     

Specification mandates are prepared for product families. They define the scope of application of the technical specifications. Mandates are conferred by the European Commission on: