Europe is developing a new and common system of specifications to describe paving bitumens, including modified bitumens and special binders. These are known as EN standards and they describe distinctive product characteristics. Ultimately the aim is to establish a system of performance based standards, rather than prescriptive requirements. This involves establishing reliable standardised test methods to assess product performance and ensure harmonisation.
Standardisation will help specifiers select the bitumen binders best suited to the intended application or end use. Harmonised EN standards and specifications will eliminate commercial trade barriers between EU countries, providing a set of common reference tools for the European market and beyond. It will also ensure compliance with the Construction Products Directive and facilitate cost savings from the use of harmonised standards and specifications, as well as removing barriers to trade by allowing cross border trading.
Once the EN standards for the various groups of bitumen products are agreed, producers will be permitted to adopt CE marking. Effectively, this is a declaration by the manufacturer that the product meets all of the appropriate provisions of relevant European legislation. CE marking provides customers with reassurance of product quality compliance and gives producers easier access into all European markets, to sell their products without adaptation or re-checking.
