There seems to be a lot of confusion out in the marketplace on this issue at the moment – with manufacturers making different claims and a general lack of clarity arising from what appear to be misunderstandings about the role and application of CE marks.
CE marking is simply the manufacturer’s declaration that the product meets the requirements of the applicable EC directives. The mark consists of the CE logo and, if applicable, the four digit identification number of the Notified Body involved in the conformity assessment procedure.
In the case of roof lights, CE marks should only be applied where the appropriate standard exists for the specific rooflight type. Rooflights should NOT be CE marked where there is no appropriate standard.
Clarification on which roof lights should carry CE marking is available on the NARM website.
Independent accreditation schemes such as the British Board of Agrement and the British Standards Institution also provide evidence of quality standards compliance, although these are only appropriate to high volume, standard products, not bespoke designed items – as is the case with many rooflights.
Finally, your rooflight supplier should be an ISO9001 accredited company – or be working toward this accreditation.
With an increasing number of construction products coming into the UK from all over the world, it’s important to recognise and ensure adherence to the appropriate UK quality standards for rooflights.
A simple option when specifying roof lights, is to look for the NARM logo – as full compliance with appropriate legislation is a condition of NARM membership.
