Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk THE door industry journal spring 2025 113 The first step for door manufacturers placing an own-brand product onto the market is to talk to the original manufacturer placing the product on the market about their requirements for own branding. If the related product requiring own branding is within the scope of a European harmonised or UK designated standard, then a mirror certification application must be raised with the notified/approved body, either by the door manufacturer directly or by the supplier on the door manufacturer’s behalf and permissions will need to be given by the main certificate holder (the product manufacturer). The original manufacturer placing the product on the market should manage the liaison and permissions for the branding manufacturer with the notified body, which will need to approve both the original and mirror certification. This gives the door manufacturer approval to use the original test evidence covering the original CoCoP for their own branded product. Futureproofing compliance for replacement components By mirror certificating components now, door manufacturers can futureproof their compliance, whilst maintaining their own brand presence, in the event that components require replacement during the lifecycle of the doorset. For example, in the event that a hinge or lock fails, the doorset will only remain compliant if the piece of hardware is replaced with a like-for-like component. If this isn’t possible, the alternative replacement product will compromise the original certification of the doorset, resulting in the whole doorset needing to be replaced to maintain compliance. This can be avoided if the doorset manufacturers have their own evidence for the hardware in their own brand name, therefore easily allowing the official own-brand products to be used as replacements. When applied to an example project of five door installations, this means only five hinges or locks will need replacing which is far easier and more cost-effective than five entire doorsets. The implications of non-compliance Awareness, understanding and adherence to these requirements remains varied across the industry, but it is illegal under the CPR not to comply. Companies found to be noncompliant could face legal action and post Grenfell, the Building Safety Act and CCPI it is more critical than ever to be clear and unambiguous with the product you are placing on the market. This is something I am extremely keen to educate our customers and wider industry on, to raise awareness across the industry. Douglas Masterson, Technical Manager at the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI), said: “The GAI wholeheartedly supports Zoo Hardware’s stance on mirror branding and certification in line with the requirements of the Construction Products Regulation and we are delighted to see them lending their technical expertise to support our industry. “Responsibility for mirror certification may rest with the branding manufacturer, but we would urge companies looking to own-brand to lean on manufacturers, like Zoo, to understand their own or their customers’ requirements. “This will help them achieve compliance, by securing the necessary certification for ownlabel and rebranded products. GAI members can also refer to the updated guidance on mirror certification issued in February 2022, which covers common scenarios and roles and responsibilities.” Support from Zoo Hardware Zoo Hardware has been giving its technical expertise for several years now to champion this issue amongst its customer base. It has invested heavily in mirror certification for own-branded hinges, door closing devices and locks and provided important guidance, resources and advice to help its customers comply with the requirements of the Construction Products Regulation. For more information on Zoo Hardware and its portfolio of architectural door hardware, visit www.zoohardware.co.uk or call 01228 672900. Locks & Building Hardware
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mzg2Nzk=