The BBA has been designated by the UK
Government to issue European Technical Approvals (ETAs) and to
represent the UK in the European Organisation for Technical Approvals
(EOTA).
Certain types of construction product (for example, those which
are very new or innovative) may not be covered by harmonised
European Standards. However, CE marking can still be obtained for
these products on a voluntary basis via a European Technical
Approval (ETA) (and associated Attestation of Conformity
(AoC)).
A European Technical Approval (ETA) is an approval based on
testing carried out to agreed European levels. ETAs are more
relevant to new or innovative products for which hENs have not yet been
developed. Where a number of similar-type products have been tested
over a period of time, protocols for the production of ETAs (known
as European Technical
Approval Guidelines (ETAGs)) will have been developed and
testing procedures will be more established and widely recognised.
However, where a product is completely new or innovative, testing
may take the form of an individual assessment carried out under
bespoke requirements contained within a Common Understanding of Assessment Procedures
(CUAP). The BBA carries out both types of assessment.
ETAs are issued to products for which mandated or harmonised
European Standard have not been agreed and, coupled with an
appropriate Attestation of Conformity procedure, will allow their
manufacturers to affix the CE marking to them and place them on the
market anywhere in the EU.
Study the ETA assessment flow chart for
an explanation of the assessment procedure.