Plastics News: DOWLEX™ 2388 PE-RT pipe systems now eligible for CE Marking

DOWLEX™ 2388 PE-RT pipe systems now eligible for CE Marking

Agreement of testing procedure brings one-stop European approval within reach of pipe makers

Horgen, Switzerland - March 01, 2006

The European Organisation for Technical Approvals (EOTA) has endorsed a European-wide assessment procedure for PE-RT type II Resin pipe systems that will simplify and speed up the CE marking approvals process for European pipe makers.

EOTA's endorsement in February 2006 clears the way for manufacturers to apply for a European Technical Approval for PE-RT type II resin pipe and fitting combination - signified by the CE marking. The one-stop approval lets systems be sold throughout the 28-member European Economic Area without the costly country-by-country authorisations required for non-PE-RT products.

"This assessment procedure, removes the biggest administrative obstacle to our customers obtaining Europe-wide approval for their DOWLEX™ 2388 PE Resin pipe systems in one go," said Sander Van Veen, Dow's European market manager for pipes.

The assessment procedure, formally known as the 'common understanding of assessment procedure' (CUAP), is suitable for innovative products which are not covered by any harmonised European Standard but which still bring significant improvements to the industry.

An easy-to-understand process

Manufacturers of PE-RT type II pipe systems can use the CE marking on their products by applying for a European Technical Approval (ETA).

Manufacturers arrange ETAs for their PE-RT type II pipe systems by working with an approval body which is appointed by the European Commission, and thus a member of the Brussels-based European Organisation for Technical Approvals (EOTA), which is responsible for the process and has member institutes specialising in standards and certification in every European country.

Manufacturers and their chosen EOTA partner together test the pipe systems against the criteria outlined in the Common Understanding of Assessment Procedure (CUAP) and formulate a draft European Technical Approval (ETA).

The draft ETA is then proposed and reviewed by the approval bodies within EOTA. If found satisfactory, final consent is given and the ETA will be published. Based on the ETA, the holder of the approval is authorized to affix the CE marking on its products.

A real competitive advantage

Dow's Sander Van Veen stresses the benefits of obtaining the CE marking using the European Technical Approval process.

"Manufacturers using DOWLEX™ 2388 PE-RT Resin can get permission to distribute their pipe systems throughout 28 countries in one go.

"The application process is relatively simple and the modest cost of applying is vastly outweighed by the benefit of an open market across the European continent.

"The independent verdict provided by the ETA process on product performance and manufacturing consistency will make it a key criteria for specifiers and end users. They require complete assurance of the performance of the end use of the product, not only via the evaluation of the testing process, but also of the factory production control and suitability of the intended use.

"A compulsory harmonised standard is currently being developed by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN). By ensuring that they gain the CE marking as soon as possible, manufacturers will not only secure a significant competitive advantage, they will also be prepared for future developments," said Dow's Van Veen.

Notes to editors

The Kiwa Testing and Certification Institute delivered the final assement of the the CUAP for PE-RT type II systems on February 23rd, 2006 on behalf of the European Organisation for Technical Approvals. (CUAP for PE-RT type II: "Plastics piping kits for the transport system of hot and cold water made of PE-RT type II").

Manufacturers of any kind of type II system can gain this approval. Drinking water systems require an additional environmental assessment to ensure safety standards are met. As long as the European Acceptance Scheme, which is currenty being drafted, is not finalized, local country requirements are relevant.

Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of science and technology to improve living daily. The Company offers a broad range of innovative products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $46 billion and employs 42,000 people worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.

®™^* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow

For Editorial Information:

Rena De Zanet
Plastics Business Communications
Dow Europe GmbH
Horgen, Switzerland
+41 44 728 2564

Amanda Diamondstein
Porter Novelli
Brussels, Belgium
+ 32 2 413 03 40


Asia-Pacific Europe, Middle East and Africa Latin America Español Português North America About Dow's Plastics Portfolio News Center Related Plastics Sites Joint Ventures Medical Policy Plastics Home	DOWLEX™ 2388 PE-RT pipe systems now eligible for CE Marking Agreement of testing procedure brings one-stop European approval within reach of pipe makers Horgen, Switzerland - March 01, 2006 The European Organisation for Technical Approvals (EOTA) has endorsed a European-wide assessment procedure for PE-RT type II Resin pipe systems that will simplify and speed up the CE marking approvals process for European pipe makers. EOTA's endorsement in February 2006 clears the way for manufacturers to apply for a European Technical Approval for PE-RT type II resin pipe and fitting combination - signified by the CE marking. The one-stop approval lets systems be sold throughout the 28-member European Economic Area without the costly country-by-country authorisations required for non-PE-RT products. "This assessment procedure, removes the biggest administrative obstacle to our customers obtaining Europe-wide approval for their DOWLEX™ 2388 PE Resin pipe systems in one go," said Sander Van Veen, Dow's European market manager for pipes. The assessment procedure, formally known as the 'common understanding of assessment procedure' (CUAP), is suitable for innovative products which are not covered by any harmonised European Standard but which still bring significant improvements to the industry. An easy-to-understand process Manufacturers of PE-RT type II pipe systems can use the CE marking on their products by applying for a European Technical Approval (ETA). Manufacturers arrange ETAs for their PE-RT type II pipe systems by working with an approval body which is appointed by the European Commission, and thus a member of the Brussels-based European Organisation for Technical Approvals (EOTA), which is responsible for the process and has member institutes specialising in standards and certification in every European country. Manufacturers and their chosen EOTA partner together test the pipe systems against the criteria outlined in the Common Understanding of Assessment Procedure (CUAP) and formulate a draft European Technical Approval (ETA). The draft ETA is then proposed and reviewed by the approval bodies within EOTA. If found satisfactory, final consent is given and the ETA will be published. Based on the ETA, the holder of the approval is authorized to affix the CE marking on its products. A real competitive advantage Dow's Sander Van Veen stresses the benefits of obtaining the CE marking using the European Technical Approval process. "Manufacturers using DOWLEX™ 2388 PE-RT Resin can get permission to distribute their pipe systems throughout 28 countries in one go. "The application process is relatively simple and the modest cost of applying is vastly outweighed by the benefit of an open market across the European continent. "The independent verdict provided by the ETA process on product performance and manufacturing consistency will make it a key criteria for specifiers and end users. They require complete assurance of the performance of the end use of the product, not only via the evaluation of the testing process, but also of the factory production control and suitability of the intended use. "A compulsory harmonised standard is currently being developed by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN). By ensuring that they gain the CE marking as soon as possible, manufacturers will not only secure a significant competitive advantage, they will also be prepared for future developments," said Dow's Van Veen. Notes to editors The Kiwa Testing and Certification Institute delivered the final assement of the the CUAP for PE-RT type II systems on February 23rd, 2006 on behalf of the European Organisation for Technical Approvals. (CUAP for PE-RT type II: "Plastics piping kits for the transport system of hot and cold water made of PE-RT type II"). Manufacturers of any kind of type II system can gain this approval. Drinking water systems require an additional environmental assessment to ensure safety standards are met. As long as the European Acceptance Scheme, which is currenty being drafted, is not finalized, local country requirements are relevant. Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of science and technology to improve living daily. The Company offers a broad range of innovative products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $46 billion and employs 42,000 people worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. ®™^* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow For Editorial Information: Rena De Zanet Plastics Business Communications Dow Europe GmbH Horgen, Switzerland +41 44 728 2564 Amanda Diamondstein Porter Novelli Brussels, Belgium + 32 2 413 03 40
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