Competencies
Proofs of competence
In most areas of the construction industry, formal proof of competence is required to act as a testing, monitoring or certification body. Based on the Lower Saxony Building Code (NBauO) in conjunction with an approval regulation (PÜZAVO) for all states of the Federal Republic of Germany, the MPA Braunschweig is approved by the building authorities/according to building laws for the respective state building code.
Scope
- Regulated and non-regulated construction products and construction methods in accordance with Construction Products List A - Parts 1 to 3
- Construction products with general building inspection approval
- The testing laboratory for the monitoring of manufacturers of construction products and users of construction methods
- The monitoring body for the monitoring of activities in conjunction with construction products and construction methods
The aim here is the use of conformity marks (Ü mark).
The approval in accordance with the German Construction Products Act (BauPG) mostly refers to construction products in accordance with Construction Products List B, i.e. European harmonised products. The MPA Braunschweig is approved as a testing laboratory (system 3) and a certification body (systems 1+, 1, and 2+), and is therefore notified in accordance with the EU CPR.
Here, the objective is the use of the CE mark for the labelling of products.
For the international movement of goods, the MPA Braunschweig also has numerous accreditations for
- Two testing laboratories and a calibration laboratory in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025
- A certification body for products in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065.
International
EUROPE
Structures are of major importance in daily life. This concerns safety (e.g. fire protection and structural integrity) and usability (e.g. loadbearing capacity and durability), hygiene (e.g. wastewater disposal and indoor air pollution) as well as sound insulation, indoor climate, the environment and sustainability.
One of the central objectives of European unification was the creation of conditions for the free movement of goods within the European Union. The global goal to strengthen the competitiveness of European industry therefore requires the dismantling of trade barriers. While construction continues to regulated individually by the member states, construction products fall within the scope of trade harmonisation.
EU Construction Products Regulation
In Europe, numerous and varied construction techniques and construction traditions have developed in the different regions over the centuries. That is why harmonising the different regulations is a complex process for all member states. The EU Construction Products Regulation (EU CPR) dated April 2011 is a further step by the EU Commission towards the approximation of the laws.
Notified testing and certification body in accordance with EU CPR
Since 2003, the MPA Braunschweig has been offering testing, monitoring and certification services based on European harmonised regulations. Since June 2013, it is authorised to issue test reports and certificates in the harmonised area in accordance with EU CPR for a wide range of different construction products.
Examples of global activities outside of Europe
- International customer structure: Tests commissioned from more than 60 different countries from all five continents across the world have been performed in the test halls of the MPA Braunschweig.
- Representatives of the MPA Braunschweig travel to many different European countries or the U.S. to carry out external monitoring of manufacturers.
- Export of fire protection products to the Arab world: The certification body has comprehensive experience with import authorities, for instance, in particular with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Emirate of Qatar.
Training courses
At the MPA Braunschweig, the wealth of experience of our employees goes hand in hand with state-of-the-art science. Through cooperation with the Institute for Building Materials, Concrete Construction & Fire Protection of TU Braunschweig, the Braunschweig Civil Engineering Materials Testing Institute is always informed about the latest research developments, which are immediately incorporated into the work of the MPA. The MPA Braunschweig offers a range of targeted training options to transfer its know-how to others.
Training courses at the MPA
Are you interested in subject-specific information?
Would you like to find out how your products are tested at the MPA Braunschweig, with further information on the certification of your product or the applicable standards?
Are you interested in a different subject?
Please get in touch with your contact at the MPA and we will be pleased to organise a corresponding training course for you at our premises.
On-site training courses
Naturally, the employees of the MPA Braunschweig can also visit your premises and provide training courses on-site. Simply get in touch with your contact at the MPA to jointly coordinate the ideal course for your requirements.
