EU's New Construction Products Regulation: Implications for Maltese Importers and Manufacturers

A new Construction Products Regulation (CPR) officially known as Regulation (EU) 2024/3110, has come into effect, with significant implications for anyone involved in the construction industry within the European Economic Area, including manufacturers, distributors, architects, and designers. The CPR, officially entered into force in January 2025, with most provisions applying from January 2026, aims for a stronger, more unified market for construction products across the EU, with a focus on sustainability and digitalisation. Maltese importers and manufacturers need to be aware of the key changes and prepare for the transition.

Key aspects of the new CPR include the Digital Product Passport. This system will provide detailed information about construction materials, including performance data, safety information, installation instructions, durability and the product’s carbon footprint. This increased transparency will enable informed choices about sustainable building materials and facilitate recycling and reuse. In practical terms, details about the implementation on how information will be transmitted to the consumer will be in the form of a QR code, barcode or similar methods.

On sustainability requirements, the EU Green Deal aims for climate neutrality by 2050, and the construction industry has a major role to play. The new CPR introduces a phased implementation of sustainability requirements.

Starting from January of 2026, manufacturers of certain construction products will be required to declare the Global Warming Potential (GWP). The GWP is a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide. This declaration will include indicators related to climate change effects, such as total climate change effects, climate change effects from fossil fuels, biogenic sources (emissions that come from natural sources), and land use changes.

By January 2030, the declaration of core sustainability indicators will become mandatory. These indicators provide a more comprehensive view of a product's environmental impact, and include:

• Ozone depletion

• Acidification potential

• Eutrophication (aquatic freshwater, aquatic marine, and terrestrial)

• Photochemical ozone creation

• Abiotic depletion (minerals, metals, and fossil fuels)

• Water use

As from January 2032, manufacturers will be additionally be required to declare all sustainability indicators specified in the regulation. This final phase includes additional environmental impact indicators such as:

• Particulate matter emissions

• Ionising radiation

• Eco-toxicity

• Human toxicity

• Land use related impacts

Manufacturers should prepare for these changes by familiarising themselves with the relevant environmental assessment methodologies and ensuring their products meet the necessary standards. On the other hand, importers of Construction Products should take charge by requesting this information from their suppliers, ensuring their responsibilities are adequately covered.

Moreover, the construction industry across Europe is set for a significant transformation as the second generation of Eurocodes nears completion. These comprehensive structural design codes, which serve as the backbone for construction and civil engineering projects, are undergoing a substantial upgrade to meet the evolving needs of the sector.

The revamped Eurocodes promise to be more user-friendly, adaptable, and aligned with cutting-edge construction technologies. These 'rulebooks' for construction design across Europe are being upgraded to include the latest advancements in construction technology, climate change considerations, energy efficiency, and circular economy principles.

The second-generation Eurocodes will introduce several crucial enhancements. The new codes will feature improved clarity, a more streamlined structure, and fewer nationally determined parameters, fostering greater harmonisation across Europe. Provisions for advanced materials and construction techniques will be incorporated, potentially facilitating the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and computational design tools. In line with broader European goals, the codes will include enhanced guidance on sustainability and environmental performance criteria. More comprehensive guidance on the assessment, re-use, and retrofitting of existing structures will be provided. Notably, a new Eurocode (Eurocode 11) will be introduced specifically for structural glass, recognising its growing importance in modern architecture.

The rollout of the second-generation Eurocodes follows a structured timeline. By March 2026, the definitive text available of all new Eurocode parts is expected to be available. This marks the date when the final content becomes available, allowing industry professionals, educational institutions, and software developers to begin adapting to the new standards. This 18-month period provides a crucial time for familiarisation and preparation.

September 2027, signifies the official publication of the second-generation Eurocodes, after which the new Eurocodes can be used in practice. This date triggers a surge in training demands and necessitates updates to internal processes across the construction sector. Essentially, these dates bookend a critical transition period, requiring significant effort from all stakeholders to ensure a smooth shift to the new structural design standards across Europe.

Finally, by March 2028, the withdrawal of conflicting standards (first-generation Eurocodes) will be completed.

As the implementation date approaches, it is crucial for all stakeholders in the construction industry to prepare for this transition. From architects and engineers to contractors and material suppliers, the new Eurocodes will likely have far-reaching impacts on design practices, material selection, and construction methodologies across Europe.

The new CPR will affect the entire supply chain, including importers, distributors, and retailers. All involved need to be aware of the new requirements, understand labelling and documentation, and ensure suppliers are up to speed.

The CPR encourages a circular economy approach, where buildings are not treated as disposable but rather repaired, reused, and recycled. Digital product passports will provide a detailed history of materials, making it easier to reuse and recycle them. Sustainability requirements will encourage manufacturers to use recycled content and design products for easy disassembly and reuse.

Each member state is responsible for enforcing the regulations within its borders, with the European Commission monitoring implementation and providing guidance. A collaborative effort is needed to ensure a smooth transition. Clear communication and education will be crucial during the coexistence periods for different product families and categories. By embracing these changes, driving innovation, and working together, the Maltese construction industry can contribute to a more sustainable future.