BWF support for joinery businesses on European compliance

Work is also underway on standards for internal doors, fire doors and stairs, which means they will also come into scope for CE marking very soon. 

CE marking is designed to help customers make an informed and confident choice about products manufactured anywhere in Europe.

Background information on CE marking is available via link above

The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) has started a 12-month countdown to the introduction of a critical European regulation to UK manufacturing.

Iain McIlwee, Chief Executive of the BWF says:

’Manufacturers on the Continent have been CE marking for years, so it’s crucial that UK businesses don’t miss their cue and are able to meet their obligations in time.

One of the key requirements under the different evaluation systems for CE marking:

• manufacturers to have a written Factory Production Control (FPC) system
• document needs to detail all the procedures put in place by the manufacturer to maintain consistency in quality and to keep records of non-conforming products, processes or materials
• it is also a stepping stone towards achieving recognised quality standards such as ISO 9001

To help joinery businesses with such documentation, the BWF offers:

• template FPC manual that can be adapted to suit each business.
• the manual will be provided free as part of the BWF membership package with additional support through its FPC consultancy service as a top-up if required

BWF Technical Manager Kevin Underwood says;

’Setting up and maintaining a written FPC system doesn’t have to be a complicated and bureaucratic process. Our manual comes complete with written guidance notes on adapting the manual, but it isn’t something you can simply print out and stick on your shelf and say job done. We will happily provide member firms more assistance if they need it – an expert can take you through the processes required to implement an effective FPC in your business.

’A lot of smaller manufacturers feel that they will be exempt from having to CE mark their products, but this is only the case where products are either made to bespoke, ‘non-series’ specifications or made in a traditional, non-industrial way for heritage and restoration projects. 

’In the case of a window manufacturer, for example, it is likely that you will still be required to CE mark even if you are changing the size of the window, or the position of casements, mullions or transoms. A simple rule of thumb is that if you are changing the cutting tools each time, then you will be making a bespoke window, in which case you may be exempt. But don’t leave it to chance – every business should be checking its status right now’.

Follow the link above for more details on the support packages that the BWF can offer, including costs and an application form for the new FPC service.