FAQ

After the general initial consultation and discussion of your project, we prepare an offer for the above-mentioned project phases. In the project phases, the estimated billable project hours are roughly stated and costed. At the end of each phase, the actual hours worked are billed.

Among others, the service portfolio consists of the following services:

• Elaboration of the recognised rules of technology, as well as classification of the opposing material
• Communication with the DIBt, the test institutes and other parties involved in the process
• Development of suitable solutions for the client’s business case
• Development of specifications for the materials to be approved
• Preparation of cost, time and capacity calculations
• Development of a test programme in cooperation with DIBt and the test institutes
• Preparation or collaboration in the preparation of documents relevant to approval (e.g. EAD)
• Supervision of product tests, production tests and any random sample tests
• Revision of approval notices
• Preparation of declarations of performance
• Preparation or revision of sales documents
• Search for cooperation partners (sales, construction, marketing)
• Extension or renewal of approval

The possibility of having national proofs of use or tests recognised in Germany is a case-by-case decision. What is important here is the standards according to which the tests were carried out. Test or use certificates carried out by independent, internationally certified test institutes (Notified body of EOTA) are usually also recognised in Germany. However, the final decision on this is up to the authorities. If necessary, tests that have already been carried out or existing proofs of usability can accelerate the approval process and reduce the process costs. However, we strongly advise against carrying out tests without consulting us in advance. It may result in those tests having to be repeated.

Similar to the duration of the approval, there is also a wide range of approval costs. A big cost factor of the procedure is the necessary testing effort of the materials.

The period between the application for approval and the actual certification is highly dependent on the material to be approved. No general statement can be made. Periods of between 1 and 7 years are possible.

Depending on the material, different approvals and approval processes come into play. In general, the appropriate proof of usability must be applied for at the DIBt. Approval is often accompanied by product and production tests, either once or on a regular basis.

In contrast to other countries, in Germany almost every construction product and every type of construction requires a German or internationally recognised approval so that it can be used or installed.

A proof of usage (commonly referred to as “approval”) is a proof that a construction product or a type of construction can be used permanently and safely. It is issued by the competent German building authority, the DIBt (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik / German institute of construction techniques) or the competent building authority of the federal state.