IAPMO’s Uniform Evaluation Service (UES) and Berlin, Germany-based Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the goal of cooperation in the field of technical assessment of construction projects and construction systems, and the joint elaboration of assessment criteria taking account of regulatory and practical needs for uses in the United States, Europe and Germany.
Through this MoU, IAPMO UES and DIBt intend to cooperate particularly with regard to the exchange of information on assessment criteria and methods and, where relevant, specific use conditions applying in the USA and Germany; and the preparation of harmonized assessment procedures for non-standardized construction products available on the US-American and German market.
The cooperation may comprise mutual recognition of test reports of test laboratories accepted as being competent for assessment tests by IAPMO UES and DIBt. The cooperation may further comprise the support of common clients seeking relevant assessments and conformity marks for the U.S. and German market. IAPMO UES and DIBt will look to work together to facilitate an exchange of expertise in the field of technical assessment.
IAPMO CEO GP Russ Chaney and DIBt President Gerhard Breitschaft signed the MoU.
“IAPMO is very excited about working closely with DIBt,” Chaney said. “International cooperation is the bedrock of the modern economy, and we look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with DIBt.”
“DIBt is very pleased with entering into this MoU with IAPMO UES,” Breitschaft said. “More and more companies are doing business in Europe and North America; it is just common sense to endeavor to have similar requirements for both markets. We look forward to working with the UES staff in various areas.”
The UES program is built upon IAPMO’s more than 70 years of experience in evaluating products for code compliance. Accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the program operates under ISO/IEC 17065, “General Requirements for Bodies Operating Product Certification Systems.”
IAPMO’s UES offers a full range of recognition opportunities, including recognition for the applicable national model codes, as well as Florida, California, and various other state codes. By combining all of these recognitions into one concise report prepared by an internationally recognized product certification body, the UES program reduces cost and increases value.
For more information on IAPMO Uniform ES, direct your web browser to www.uniform-es.org or contact Richard Beck at (909) 472-4202 or richard.beck@uniform-es.org.
IAPMO Uniform ES evaluates building products, materials, and designs according to applicable codes and standards, monitoring continuous compliance to such documents. IAPMO Uniform ES is part of The IAPMO Group.
Last modified: May 11, 2017