Engineered Wood Flooring EN 14342 System 3 Certification Process

What is engineered wood flooring?

Engineered wood flooring is a type of wooden flooring made by laminating panels of different tree species in alternating layers. It is generally categorized into three structures:

Two-layer engineered wood flooring: Composed of a surface layer and a base layer. The surface layer is typically a solid wood veneer, while the base layer can be made of solid wood or plywood, among other materials.

Three-layer engineered wood flooring: This is a commonly used type in home renovation, made by laminating three layers of solid wood veneers in alternating layers. The top layer consists of high-quality hardwood strips, such as oak, beech, oak, and ash; the core layer is made of common softwood strips, such as pine and poplar; and the bottom layer is a rotary-cut veneer, such as poplar, birch, or pine.

Multi-layer engineered wood flooring: Made with multi-layer plywood as the base material and hardwood strips or veneers as the surface layer, laminated under heat and pressure with urea-formaldehyde resin adhesive. It offers better stability compared to three-layer engineered wood flooring.

EN 14342 Solid Wood Flooring Certification Scope:

Covers various types of wooden flooring and parquet, including solid wood flooring, multi-layer engineered wood flooring, and three-layer engineered wood flooring. However, it does not apply to bamboo flooring, laminate flooring, wooden flooring products specifically manufactured to enhance tactile sensation and identification, or products made from plants such as aloe, cork, or coconut.

As a mandatory CE certification for export to Europe, the choice between System 1 or System 3 for certification typically depends on whether the product contains flame retardants. Since engineered wood flooring generally does not contain flame retardants, it is usually certified under System 3, which does not require factory inspection.

For the EN 14342 System CE certification application process, refer to the following steps:

1. Identify the product type requiring certification, including specifications such as thickness, and submit the application.

2. Determine the applicable European product directive. Engineered wood flooring must comply with the new EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR) 305/2011/EU.

3. Identify the relevant European harmonized standard. Engineered wood flooring must comply with the harmonized standard EN 14342.

4. Conduct testing and evaluation according to the CPR directive and harmonized standard EN 14342. Engineered wood flooring is typically certified under System 3.

5. Obtain the test report and certificate issued by a notified body under the EU (testing and certification are conducted by a notified laboratory under System 3).

6. Issue the Declaration of Performance.

7. Affix the CE marking with the notified body's identification number on the product packaging.

8. Freely sell the product in the European market.