In order to be placed on the market, and then installed, any type of gate, manual or motorized, must meet the safety and compliance requirements set by European laws.
In fact, the regulations on private and public automatic gates are clear, stipulating that CE marking is required for any type of gate, regardless of model or context of use.
Specifically, a gate that does not meet the strength, stability and safety requirements of UNI EN 13241 and Construction Products Regulation CPR 305/2011/EU is a gate that cannot be marketed or automated, and any locksmith and manufacturer who disregards this obligation faces serious administrative and criminal penalties.
With more than 50 years of experience in gate components, FAC Srl offers its customers not only quality products and accessories, but also concrete and professional support in fulfilling the regulatory obligations provided in the construction of structures, especially for CE Marking.
Thanks to many years of collaboration with Studio Cioffi Servizi, a point of reference throughout Italy for assistance and training for locksmiths, carpenters and electricians, we are structured to concretely help installers to operate in compliance with the regulations, simplifying the management of bureaucratic requirements and offering complete and up-to-date training on CE forms.
Practical support that enables professionals to get up to speed safely, reducing risks and protecting operators and end users.
In this article we will delve into the basics of gate regulations, with a practical and focused focus for locksmiths, installers and industry professionals. In particular we will see:
- What obligations the regulations stipulate for manual and automatic gates in both private and public settings;
- What CE Marking of gates is, what responsibilities it entails, and who are involved;
- CE Marking forms and training offered by FAC-in collaboration with Cioffi Services-for all professionals who wish to operate in compliance and with peace of mind.
What obligations do the regulations set for manual and automatic gates?
European regulations require that every structure, whether manual or automatic, must meet precise requirements to ensure strength, safety and stability, regardless of whether it is in a private or public setting.
Gates installed in villas, condominiums or private homes must comply with the criteria set forth in the Construction Products Regulations, as they are “construction products” that directly affect the safety of people. And the same applies to locks installed on public property or public use: entrances to schools, hospitals, industrial plants or parking lots, where the frequency of use and the influx of people make security conditions even more stringent.
The main regulatory reference is UNI EN 13241, a technical standard that establishes the essential characteristics that gates and doors-both manual and motorized-must have in order to be CE marked, specifying precise safety and performance requirements, including:
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mechanical strength;
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structural stability;
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operational safety, to prevent mechanical hazards such as crushing, dragging or shearing.
These rules derive from the Construction Products Regulation (CPR 305/2011/EU), which requires that any gate placed on the European market carry the CE marking and declaration of performance (according to the Construction Products Regulation); in addition, for motorized gates, the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and its declaration of conformity are added.
In other words, without CE marking of the mechanical structural part, a gate cannot be legally sold, installed or motorized.
But who should assume the obligations? The law is clear: anyone who makes, modifies or automates a gate is responsible for its compliance. The locksmith or builder must ensure that the gate meets structural and safety requirements. The installer must verify that the gate is properly laid. The person who motorizes a manual gate becomes in effect the “manufacturer” of a new product (the motorized gate), and is therefore responsible for ensuring that it meets the requirements of the regulations.
A gate without CE marking:
- cannot be sold or installed;
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exposes those responsible to administrative and criminal penalties in the event of an accident;
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can result in business suspension and serious economic repercussions.
For these reasons, all manual or motorized structures must mandatorily be provided with the declaration of performance and, if applicable (if motorized) of conformity, through the preparation of precise CE forms.
Let us see below what it is all about.
CE marking gates: definition, obligations and responsibilities
What is CE Marking
CE Marking is a mandatory mark indicating that a product complies with applicable European directives. In the case of gates, whether manual or motorized, CE Marking certifies that the structure meets the safety and strength requirements defined by UNI EN 13241 and CPR Regulation 305/2011/EU. The presence of the CE marking attests that the manufacturer has put in place a technical/regulatory path to ensure that the gate meets all the required essential standards.
Required documentation
In order to legitimately affix CE Marking to a manual gate (i.e., the mechanical structural part), it is necessary to prepare and keep a number of technical documents, namely The Technical File, the Declaration of Performance (DoP), and the CE plate. Let’s look at them briefly.
Technical dossier
It must contain all the elements that demonstrate the gate’s compliance: structural calculations, strength tests, material specifications, construction drawings, risk analysis, sheets of components used, and wiring diagrams (if motorized). This file is the regulatory “toolbox” that the manufacturing company must be able to show in case of inspections.
Declaration of Performance (DoP)
It is an official document accompanying the CE-marked product, in which the manufacturer declares the performance of the gate with respect to normative parameters (strength, stability, safety, durability). In summary, the DoP certifies the facility’s compliance with the regulations.
The CE plate
It must be attached to the gate structure and must bear basic information, such as: manufacturer’s name (or brand), year of manufacture, model, performance classes, and normative references (e.g., UNI EN 13241, CPR). The nameplate serves as an official identifier and attests that that product meets CE Marking.
These three elements form the documentary basis without which a manual gate cannot be considered compliant or classified as compliant.
Responsible parties
The legislation involves several actors, each with specific responsibilities:
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The builder/manufacturer who makes the original gate: is primarily responsible for the design, choice of materials, and set of tests to be carried out. Must be able to prepare the technical file and produce the DoP.
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The installer who assembles the gate: if he assembles components to create a new system (e.g., structure + motor + accessories), takes responsibility for “validating” that configuration, verifying that the gate is CE marked, and ensuring that the installation meets safety criteria.
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The personwho converts a manual gate into a motorized one: in this case, that person is performing an activity that configures a “new product” (a machine), so he or she must prepare the relevant documentation and CE mark the new product.
It is important to emphasize this: even a simple manual gate that you want to motorize must be treated as new construction, with the obligation to be evaluated and documented as a machine according to the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC).
In other words, the installer who adds a motor, arms or other automation accessories assumes the role of a “machine” manufacturer, with the resulting obligations: risk assessment, preparation of the technical file, verification of the mechanical compatibility of the pre-existing structure and application of CE marking on the new system.
Civil and criminal liabilities
The consequences of a gate without CE Marking can be very serious.
For the professional (be it the locksmith or the one in charge of adding automation components) , failure to comply with regulatory obligations can result in criminal liability in the event of an accident.
If a defective and substandard gate causes damage to people or property, the person who made or installed the installation could be held accountable before a judge, especially if it emerges that technical standards, safety requirements, or mandatory documentation were not complied with. On the other hand, the developer or owner of the installation is also exempt from risk, being exposed to administrative penalties and possible civil litigation in case of accidents or injuries.
Another factor to consider is insurance, as lack of compliance may jeopardize the facility’s insurance protection in case of damage.
In essence, CE Marking (required by law) is not to be considered an optional extra, but a legal constraint that protects both those who build and those who use the structure. Lack of compliance exposes everyone to serious risks, both technically, legally and financially.
Forms for CE Marking: FAC’s support in collaboration with Cioffi Servizi
Dealing with the bureaucratic and technical aspects of CE Marking on your own can be complex, especially if you are not sufficiently familiar with the regulations.
To mitigate these difficulties, FAC Srl, in collaboration with Cioffi Servizi, offers concrete and operational support for all industry professionals-smiths, installers, carpenters-who need to adapt and declare their structures compliant with CE regulations.
A ready-to-use form
With more than 20 years of experience in assisting and training locksmiths, carpenters, electricians, and, in general, all manufacturers of manually operated or motorized gates, Studio Cioffi Servizi provides FAC’s clients with up-to-date and specific CE forms for each type of structure, manual or motorized, also taking care of the preparation of the Technical File, the Declaration of Performance (DoP), and the processing of the CE plate (for manual closure).
Comprehensive and professional assistance that offers our clients the certainty of operating in compliance with regulations, zeroing in on risks and protecting end users.
Continuing education and training
In addition to forms, Studio Cioffi Servizi, in collaboration with FAC Srl, offers courses dedicated to CE marking of gates so professionals can stay abreast of industry regulations.
The training programs are designed not only to illustrate bureaucratic and technical requirements, but also to provide practical examples, real cases, and operational solutions that every professional can apply in their daily work.
Gate regulations: the importance of relying on qualified partners
The regulations on private and public gates are therefore a guarantee of safety for everyone: users, installers and manufacturers. Knowing the requirements and complying with CE Marking means working in compliance, reducing risks and offering reliable and safe solutions to your customers.
Thanks to more than 50 years of experience and collaboration with Studio Cioffi Servizi, FAC Srl is the ideal partner for all professionals in the sector who are looking for a range of quality gate accessories and components and, at the same time, complete, professional and constant support to operate in full compliance with sector regulations.
Want more information about our products, services or courses offered?
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