New EU Regulation to Change how China Exports Cable into Europe
The launch of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) for cables last month (10 June 2016) will have a significant impact for all China-based cable manufacturers who export construction cable products to clients in Europe. The new regulation, which includes new cable testing and certification requirements and imposes strict deadlines, is forcing China’s cable industry to review its export policies to ensure compliance when the regulation becomes mandatory in July 2017.
The new regulation affects all power, control and communication cables used in construction in accordance with EN 50575:2014 and that fall under the requirements of the CPR for ‘general applications in construction works subject to reaction to fire requirements’. Non-construction cables are excluded.
Dr. Jeremy Hodge, Chief Executive at BASEC, a world leading cable test and certification body explains:
“Chinese cable manufacturers and distributors not only have to extend their cable testing / certification but new CE markings will also be required.”
When the standard became harmonised on 10 June 2016, a 12-month period began during which manufacturers and suppliers will be able to establish CE marking of power, control and communications cables under EN 50575, before it becomes mandatory from 1 July 2017."
In response to a high volume of CPR enquiries from cable manufacturers across Asia, BASEC has kick-started a series of free CPR training seminars in Shanghai and Hong Kong last month.
“The amount of interest we have had for training demonstrates the importance the cable industry in China holds for ensuring compliance with European markets,” said Dr. Hodge. “Our advice is to initiate CPR activity now. A year is a relatively short period of time for the introduction of such a significant regulation into company processes and it is important they are ready for enquiries and instructions from their customers.”
The CPR training seminars cover the basics of the new requirements that manufacturers, importers and distributors of cable will need to adhere to, the new classification scheme, the choices available to manufacturers, and a summary of the technical requirements and procedures.
BASEC is currently conducting a series of CPR for cables training seminars across Asia and the Middle East. Seminars can take place on-site at the cable manufacturer’s factory, as a trade group held at a designated venue, or at the BASEC’s cable testing laboratory in the UK.
Further information about BASEC and its role in the international electrical industry is available at www.basec.org.uk and @BASECCables on Twitter.