European Technical Approvals (ETA) and CE Marking: Implications for Structural Bearings and Seismic Isolation Products

Within the European Union (EU), the free movement of construction products is ensured through harmonized rules established under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR, Regulation (EU) No 305/2011). One of the most important instruments within this framework is the CE marking, which indicates that a construction product has been assessed and declared fit for use according to European requirements.

For many construction products, this pathway is straightforward: testing and evaluation are performed according to harmonized European Standards (hENs). However, not all products have a corresponding harmonized standard, especially when they are innovative, highly specialized, or fall into niche markets. In such cases, the European Technical Approval (ETA)-today more often referred to as the European Technical Assessment-provides an alternative route for CE marking.

An ETA is an official document issued by a Technical Assessment Body (TAB) in the EU. It confirms the performance of a construction product that is not fully covered by a harmonized standard. The ETA is based on an European Assessment Document (EAD), which serves as the testing and evaluation framework.

The process can be summarized as follows:
1. Manufacturer request – The producer of a product applies to a TAB to obtain an ETA.
2. Assessment Document – If an EAD already exists, it is applied. If not, a new EAD may be developed.
3. Testing and evaluation – Performance characteristics such as strength, durability, fire resistance, or seismic capacity are assessed.
4. Issuance of ETA – The TAB issues the ETA, describing the product's essential characteristics and declared performance.
5. Declaration of Performance (DoP) – Based on the ETA, the manufacturer prepares a DoP.
6. CE marking – The manufacturer affixes the CE mark to the product, which then gains access to the EU market.

In essence, the ETA acts as the technical passport that allows innovative or non-standardized products to comply with CPR and carry the CE marking.

The CE marking is not a quality label but rather a declaration by the manufacturer that the product meets EU safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. For construction products, it specifically means that:
- A Declaration of Performance (DoP) exists, based either on hENs or ETAs.
- The product has undergone the required conformity assessment procedures.
- The manufacturer has fulfilled their responsibilities for factory production control and quality assurance.

CE marking enables products to circulate freely within the EU and to be used in public and private projects without additional national barriers. For designers, engineers, and contractors, CE marking provides confidence that the product complies with a recognized European system of technical evaluation.

Structural Bearings (EN 1337 Series)

Structural bearings, such as pot bearings, spherical bearings, elastomeric bearings, and sliding bearings, are essential components for bridges and large civil structures. The EN 1337 series of standards provides harmonized technical requirements for these products. For most conventional bearing types, manufacturers can obtain CE marking directly under these standards.

However, specialized or innovative bearings-for example, those with additional damping properties, hybrid sliding mechanisms, or customized design for extreme loads-may not be fully covered by EN 1337. In such cases, an ETA becomes the appropriate path to CE certification.

Seismic Isolation Devices:

Seismic isolation products, such as:
- Lead Rubber Bearings (LRB)
- High-Damping Rubber Bearings (HDRB)
- Low-Damping Rubber Bearings (LDRB)
- Friction Pendulum Bearings (FPB)
- Viscous Fluid Dampers (VFDs)

If It does not yet have a fully harmonized European standard. While EN 15129:2018 provides guidelines for anti-seismic devices, its application does not automatically cover all variations or innovative solutions.

For this reason, most seismic isolation products currently require the ETA pathway to achieve CE marking. Manufacturers must demonstrate performance such as:
- Energy dissipation capacity
- Restoring force and recentering ability
- Durability under repeated seismic loading
- Fire, temperature, and environmental resistance;

Once an ETA is granted, the product can be CE marked and specified in construction projects across the EU. This is particularly important for infrastructure such as bridges, hospitals, nuclear facilities, and high-rise buildings in seismic regions.

Globally, seismic isolation and energy dissipation devices are subject to different standards:
- United States: AASHTO Guide Specifications for Seismic Isolation Design,
                          ASTM standards for elastomeric bearings and dampers.
- Japan: JIS and MLIT guidelines for base-isolation devices.
- China: GB/T standards for rubber bearings, dampers, and sliding devices.

The ETA system provides a unique advantage within the EU: it creates a unified framework for innovative products, while still ensuring compatibility with international performance standards. This makes CE marking through ETA highly valuable for global manufacturers seeking access to the European market.

The relationship between ETA and CE marking can be summarized simply:
- hEN available → Follow the harmonized standard route to CE marking.
- hEN not available → Obtain ETA (via EAD) → DoP → CE marking.

For structural bearings and especially for seismic isolation products, ETA plays a central role. While conventional bearings are generally covered by EN 1337, innovative seismic isolators and dampers often rely on ETA as their certification pathway.

By enabling CE marking, ETA ensures that advanced seismic protection systems can enter the European market, fostering both safety and innovation in structural engineering. This mechanism not only strengthens Europe's construction sector but also supports the global adoption of cutting-edge solutions for earthquake resilience.