In the world of construction product certification, two documents often come up in conversation: the Declaration of Performance (DoP) and the BBA Agrément Certificate. While both are important, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the distinction is key for manufacturers, specifiers, and contractors alike, especially when navigating compliance, market access, and product credibility. 

What is a Declaration of Performance (DoP)? 

A DoP is a legal document required under the UK Construction Products Regulation (UK CPR) or the EU CPR, depending on the market. It applies to the products that are covered by CE or UKCA marking. Dame Judith Hackitt, in her report, Building a Safer Future, estimated that Standardised products would only cover about one third of construction products. 

Key Features: 

• Mandatory for CE or UKCA marking.
• Declares the product’s performance characteristics (e.g. fire resistance, thermal conductivity).
• Must be made available to customers (often via website or QR code).
• Self-declared by the manufacturer, though third-party testing may be involved.

Think of it as a passport: it is a consistent way of declaring a specification which allows your product to be placed on the market, and defines some performance characteristics, but it doesn’t say how well it performs in real-world applications. 

What is a BBA Agrément Certificate? 

A BBA Agrément Certificate is a voluntary, third-party certification issued by the British Board of Agrément (BBA). It provides a comprehensive assessment of a product’s fitness for purpose for a specific application and includes installation, durability, and compliance with Building Regulations. 

Key Features: 

• Independent, impartial expert evaluation by the BBA.
• Covers design, manufacture, installation, and maintenance.
• Recognised by specifiers, insurers, and regulators.
• Oftenrequiredfor public sector projects or new housing. 
• Includes ongoing surveillance and factory audits.

Think of it as a seal of trust: it goes beyond compliance and gives specifiers and clients confidence that your product will perform as expected in real-world conditions.  

Key Differences at a Glance: 

Why You Might Need Both 

While a DoP is essential for regulatory compliance, a BBA Agrément Certificate can be the difference between being specified—or not. In competitive markets, especially in the UK, specifiers often look for independent assurance that goes beyond the minimum legal requirements. 

For manufacturers, having both: 

• Meets legal obligations (DoP),
• Builds trust and credibility (BBA),
• Potential to opendoors to new projects and clients.

The DoP and BBA Agrément Certificate are not rivals; they’re complementary tools. One ensures compliance; the other goes beyond compliance and provides confidence for a product’s use for a specific application. If you’re a construction product manufacturer looking to grow your market, especially in the UK, understanding and leveraging both is a smart move.