Factory Production Control (FPC)

Factory production control is the quality management system that the quarry or processing facility must implement and maintain. FPC ensures that the production consistently meets the performance levels declared in the DoP.

An FPC system includes documented procedures for:

• Incoming material inspection: Verifying the quality of blocks arriving from the quarry before processing.
• Production monitoring: Regular checks on cutting, calibrating, and finishing processes to ensure dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
• Routine testing: Periodic testing of key characteristics (e.g., flexural strength, water absorption) at defined intervals to verify consistency with ITT results.
• Traceability: A system to trace each batch of finished product back to the quarry source and production date.
• Non-conformity management: Procedures for handling products that fail to meet specifications.

The FPC system must be documented and available for inspection by the notified body or market surveillance authorities. For Iranian quarries and processors, implementing FPC may require developing new quality management procedures and training staff. Many larger Iranian processing facilities already have ISO 9001 systems in place, which provides a foundation for FPC compliance.

The Declaration of Performance (DoP)

The Declaration of Performance is the key document in the CE marking framework. It is a formal statement by the manufacturer (or the importer, if the manufacturer is outside the EU) declaring the performance of the construction product in relation to its essential characteristics.

The DoP must include:

• The product type and its intended use
• The applicable harmonized standard (e.g., EN 12058)
• The manufacturer’s name and address (or the importer’s, if applicable)
• The system of assessment and verification of constancy of performance (AVCP)
• A table of declared essential characteristics with their performance values
• Reference to the test reports supporting the declared values

For natural stone, the AVCP system is typically System 3 (initial type testing by a notified body, with FPC by the manufacturer) or System 4 (manufacturer’s own testing and FPC). System 3 is most common for stone products and requires notified body involvement for ITT.

The DoP must be available in the language of the EU member state where the product is placed on the market. The European importer typically handles translation and may take responsibility for issuing the DoP if the Iranian manufacturer has not done so.

Affixing and Using the CE Mark

Once the DoP is issued, the CE mark must be affixed to the product, its packaging, or the accompanying commercial documents. For stone slabs and tiles, the CE mark is typically applied to the packaging (crates or bundles) and included on delivery documents rather than on each individual slab.

The CE mark must include:

• The CE symbol (in the prescribed format and minimum size)
• The manufacturer’s identification number or name and registered address
• The last two digits of the year in which the mark was first affixed
• The reference number of the DoP
• The notified body’s identification number (for System 3, the body that performed ITT)

Incorrectly affixed or incomplete CE marks are a common compliance issue. EU market surveillance authorities can request proof of CE marking at any time, and non-compliant products can be withdrawn from the market.

Costs and Timeline

CE marking is an investment. The costs fall into two categories: initial certification and ongoing compliance.

Initial type testing costs depend on the number of tests required and the notified body’s fees. For a single stone product type (e.g., travertine cladding slabs under EN 12058), ITT typically costs between €3,000 and €6,000. Each additional product type or standard requires separate testing.

FPC implementation costs vary widely. If the facility already has a quality management system, adapting it for FPC may cost a few thousand euros. Starting from scratch — including documentation, training, and internal audit — can cost €5,000–€10,000.

Ongoing costs include periodic retesting, FPC audits (if required by the notified body), and maintaining documentation. These are typically modest annual costs.

The timeline for initial CE marking is typically 4–8 weeks for ITT (depending on the notified body’s workload and the number of tests), plus 2–4 weeks to implement FPC and prepare the DoP. If the facility already has quality systems in place, the overall timeline can be as short as 6 weeks.

How to Obtain CE Marking for Iranian Natural Stone Exports to the EU

1. Identify the applicable EN standard

Natural stone products in the EU fall under EN 12058 (slabs for cladding), EN 1341 (slabs for external paving), EN 1469 (slabs for facades), and others depending on the product’s intended use. Identify the end use of your product to determine the correct standard. If your product serves multiple end uses, multiple standards may apply.

2. Arrange initial type testing (ITT)

A notified body in Europe must perform initial type testing on samples of your stone — covering flexural strength, compressive strength, density, water absorption, abrasion resistance, and frost resistance. Select a notified body experienced with natural stone testing. The Iranian supplier provides representative samples from the relevant quarry.

3. Conduct factory production control (FPC)

The quarry or processing facility must implement a factory production control system with documented procedures for quality monitoring, testing frequency, and traceability. Document all procedures, train staff, and ensure records are maintained. If ISO 9001 is already in place, adapt existing procedures to meet FPC requirements.

4. Obtain the Declaration of Performance (DoP)

Based on ITT results and FPC, the supplier issues a Declaration of Performance stating the stone’s essential characteristics and performance values for each declared property. The DoP must be translated into the language of the destination EU member state. The European importer may handle this step.

5. Affix the CE mark

The CE mark is affixed to the product, packaging, or accompanying documents. It must include the manufacturer’s identification, the last two digits of the year of marking, and the DoP reference. For stone slabs, the mark is typically applied to crate labels and delivery documents. Ensure all required elements are present.

6. Maintain compliance records

Keep all test reports, FPC records, and DoPs on file. EU customs may request these during import clearance, and they must be available for market surveillance inspections. Records should be retained for at least 10 years after the last product was placed on the market, as required by the CPR.

For related compliance requirements, see our guide on radioactivity test report compliance for exporting Iranian stone to the EU.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Iranian stone products need CE marking to enter the EU?

CE marking is required for natural stone products covered by the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) — primarily slabs for cladding, paving, and flooring. Rough quarry blocks for further processing may not require CE marking, but finished products do. Check whether your specific product falls under a harmonized EN standard.

What EN standards apply to Iranian natural stone?

Key EN standards include EN 12058 (slabs for cladding), EN 1341 (external paving slabs), EN 1469 (facade slabs), EN 12057 (tiles), and EN 771-6 (natural stone masonry units). The applicable standard depends on the product’s end use. Multiple standards may apply if the product serves different applications.

How much does CE marking certification cost for Iranian stone?

Costs vary depending on the stone type, number of tests required, and the notified body. Initial type testing typically costs several thousand euros, plus ongoing FPC audit costs. It is a one-time investment per product type. Budget €3,000–€6,000 for ITT and additional costs for FPC implementation.

Can Iranian quarries obtain CE marking, or must it be done by a European importer?

Either the Iranian quarry/processor or the European importer can take responsibility for CE marking. In practice, the manufacturer (quarry or processor) typically performs ITT and FPC, while the importer may handle the Declaration of Performance. The arrangement should be agreed between supplier and importer before starting the process.

What tests are required for CE marking of natural stone?

Common tests include flexural strength, compressive strength, density, water absorption, abrasion resistance, frost resistance, and for some products, slip resistance and thermal shock resistance. The exact set depends on the applicable EN standard and the product’s intended use.

How long does the CE marking process take for Iranian stone?

The process typically takes 4–8 weeks for initial type testing, plus time to implement factory production control. If the quarry already has quality systems in place, the timeline can be shorter. Plan for 8–12 weeks total from initial sampling to a completed DoP and affixed CE mark.