Laboratory Testing or Product Certification?

The definition of the term “certificate” is not unambiguous and is often used to identify a document issued by an independent third-party body.

In the construction products sector, the term certification is frequently used indiscriminately to refer to simple laboratory tests performed on construction products in accordance with a technical standard. This confusion, still widespread among manufacturers, designers, and market operators, can lead to technical misunderstandings and errors in commercial communication.

In this article, with reference to construction products and the documentation supporting CE marking, we will clarify what a laboratory test is, what product certification is, the main differences between the two, and why it is important to use the correct terminology.

What is a laboratory test on a construction product

A laboratory test consists of carrying out one or more tests on a product, performed in accordance with a reference technical standard (e.g. EN, ISO, UNI), with the aim of measuring specific performances or characteristics.

Main characteristics of a laboratory test:

• it concerns a specific sample of the product;

• it is carried out according to standardized test methods;

• it provides measurable results (values, classes, performances);

• it is concluded with a test report;

• it does not involve an overall conformity assessment of the product over time.

The laboratory does not certify the product, but solely attests that the tested sample, under the given conditions, has demonstrated certain performances in accordance with the applied standard.

What is construction product certification

Product certification is a structured and continuous process through which an independent certification body evaluates and attests that a product complies with specific requirements defined by:

• a technical standard,

• a regulation,

• a certification scheme.

Main characteristics of construction product certification:

• it concerns both the product and its manufacturing process;

• it includes laboratory testing but is not limited to it;

• it involves the assessment of the product’s production control;

• it includes initial verification and periodic surveillance;

• it is concluded with the issuance of a certificate;

• it has validity over time, subject to the maintenance of the verified conditions.

Certification therefore implies an assumption of responsibility by the certification body and may be linked either to declared performances or to process conformity.

Why it is incorrect to call a laboratory test “certification”

Incorrectly using the term certification when referring only to laboratory testing may:

• create ambiguity for customers and designers, leading to improper use of the product;

• expose the company to contractual or legal disputes, as for certain products either one or the other is required depending on the product characteristics or intended use.

Not all construction products can be certified

A frequently unclear but fundamental aspect is that not all construction products currently allow CE marking, and CE marking itself does not always require product certification.

In particular, for some products there is (still) no harmonised standard under Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 (CPR), recently replaced by Regulation (EU) 3110/2024. In many cases, only technical test standards exist, which are useful for measuring performances but are not sufficient for CE marking; for specific product families, recognised certification schemes may not be available.

In such scenarios, the only technical option is often laboratory performance testing carried out in accordance with EN, UNI, or ISO standards. These tests allow manufacturers to technically qualify the product even in the absence of an obligation or possibility for certification, by defining performances to be included, for example, in a technical data sheet.

Voluntary certification

Manufacturers may choose to undertake a voluntary marking or certification process based on voluntary product certification schemes, quality marks, or performance-based protocols recognised by the market.

These tools can represent a significant commercial and competitive added value, especially for innovative or not yet fully standardised products. However, to be effective, such schemes must themselves be based on shared standards or recognised technical rules.

Laboratory testing and construction product certification: not alternatives, but complementary tools

It is important to emphasise that laboratory testing and certification are not in opposition.

On the contrary, laboratory tests are often an integral part of the certification process. They represent a fundamental tool for product development, qualification, and control, and allow manufacturers to understand and improve product performance before embarking on a certification pathway.

Calling things by their proper name is not merely a terminological issue, but a matter of technical, regulatory, and commercial correctness.

• Laboratory testing measures a performance.

• Product certification attests the maintenance of requirements over time.

Understanding this difference enables companies to communicate more clearly, reduce risks, and correctly enhance the value of their products on the market.

Why choose Istituto Giordano

Istituto Giordano: a single partner for laboratory testing and product certification.

Relying on different bodies for laboratory testing and certification can lead to inefficiencies, documentary inconsistencies, and regulatory misunderstandings.

Istituto Giordano operates both as an accredited testing laboratory and as an accredited certification body, offering companies a single point of reference for:

• performing laboratory tests on product performance;

• initiating product or process certification pathways, whether mandatory or voluntary.

This integrated approach helps reduce the risk of terminological and documentary errors, optimise time and costs, and enhance product value on the market in a correct and credible manner.

Relying on a body that combines laboratory and certification expertise allows companies to properly manage both regulatory obligations, where applicable, and laboratory testing activities, transforming them into a tangible technical and competitive advantage. Naturally, exceptions may exist, especially at national level; for this reason, relying on the professionalism of Istituto Giordano’s technical experts is a sound and effective solution.