Ukrainian construction product manufacturers are actively preparing, and some are already ready to work in accordance with EU Regulation 305/2011 on the quality of construction products, Natalia Duzhylova, deputy head of the State Inspectorate for Architecture and Urban Development, told Interfax-Ukraine.
“One of the main issues that needs to be addressed (to work in accordance with European standards) is the lack of a full-fledged quality infrastructure, including a network of testing laboratories equipped with the necessary equipment, which makes it impossible to assess the conformity of construction products. Currently, eight testing laboratories in Ukraine have received the appropriate accreditation, which can provide testing services under Regulation 305 for 16 out of 35 categories of construction products,” she said.
The Deputy Head of the SIAG gave the example of the cement industry, which is fully prepared for the implementation of the C05 Regulation even from January 1, 2024. This fundamental industry is a leader in the implementation of European legislation, and producers are fully prepared to work according to European standards. In particular, the standards have been translated, laboratories are operating, and electronic manufacturer’s accounts in the Unified State Electronic System in the Construction Sector (USESCS) have been set up, where manufacturers upload declarations of conformity for cement products.
As for other building materials industries, most of the standards have already been translated, but in the current economic situation, it is difficult for manufacturers to secure the purchase of new testing equipment for laboratories.
“Some industries have also been actively preparing for industrial visa-free travel in advance. For example, the cable industry had two laboratories fully equipped for accreditation. However, one of them was completely destroyed by the enemy, and the other is located on the temporarily occupied territory,” Duzhylova cited an example.
Investing in laboratory equipment that analyzes the quality of building materials and compliance with standards is a significant investment ($0.5-2 million). There should be at least two laboratories for each type of product: one to test the product and the other to monitor it as needed.
“We are now turning to donors for help. According to the law, the grant recipient can be a public or private institution, or an educational institution, which is also an option. In many European countries, such laboratories are set up on the basis of educational institutions and universities with research centers,” said Duzhylova.
Among the industries that are already actively working with donors on this issue, she named the Window Industry Association. “The Window Industry Association has successfully negotiated with UNIDO and received funding for laboratory equipment. The laboratory in Kryvyi Rih has already received accreditation. The second laboratory will be opened in Rivne in the near future,” said Duzhylova.
As reported, the law “On the provision of construction products on the market”, which ensures the implementation of the provisions of EU Regulation 305/2011 on the quality of construction products in Ukrainian legislation, was adopted in 2020 and entered into force in 2023. Starting from January 1, 2023, all construction products in Ukraine can be put into circulation and made available on the market in accordance with the requirements set out in Regulation 305 and the relevant regulatory technical specifications. Given the martial law and existing administrative and financial barriers, the previous Regulation was extended (CMU Resolution No. 1764 dated 20.12.2006), and until 2025 this Regulation is valid in Ukraine in parallel with the 305th.
