ELAZIG GUNISIGI NEWSPAPER - June 2010
G CONFORMITY CERTIFICATE IN CONCRETE
In many of my articles, I have emphasized the importance of inspection. When it comes to the construction sector, inspection becomes a priority concept. Especially when materials like concrete and rebar are used under a specific standard, it plays a significant role in reducing post-earthquake damage. Understanding the significance of the “G” Conformity Certificate, which is a major development in terms of inspection, is important for both producers and consumers.
What is the “G” Mark?
The "G Mark" is a mandatory label for construction materials that are not subject to the "CE" standard in Turkey. It is used on the product, the product’s label, packaging, or commercial documents associated with the material.
What is the Legislation Related to the “G” Mark?
The regulations regarding the "G Mark" are laid out in the Regulation on Criteria for Construction Materials (referred to as the “G Mark Regulation”), published by the Ministry of Public Works and Settlement on June 26, 2009, in the Official Gazette number 27270. Moreover, the "Notification on the Implementation of the Conformity Confirmation Systems in accordance with the Regulation on the Criteria for Construction Materials" (the “G Application Notification”) was published on February 6, 2010, in the Official Gazette number 27485.
These regulations and notifications were prepared based on the 4703 Framework Law and 180th Article of the Law on the Ministry of Public Works and Settlement's Organization and Duties.
Which Materials Require the “G” Mark?
According to the regulation, construction materials that are used permanently in building and civil engineering works and are not subject to the "CE" standard are considered “materials subject to the G Mark.” Among the hundreds of materials in this category, concrete and construction steel (reinforcing bars) are among the most significant.
What Does the “G” Mark Indicate?
The performance values of a product labeled with the G Mark are confirmed by evaluating the product’s conformity according to the relevant national standard (or, if there is no national standard, a national technical approval). The evaluation according to the national standard is carried out by the “Conformity Assessment Organizations” assigned by the Ministry of Public Works and Settlement, and the “G Conformity Certificate” is issued.
How is the “G” Conformity Certificate Issued for Concrete?
The Ministry of Public Works and Settlement has assigned the KGS Economic Enterprise (operated by the Turkish Ready-Mixed Concrete Association) to issue the “G Conformity Certificate” for concrete. With the publication of the Notification on May 27, 2010, in the Official Gazette number 27593, the product certification experience KGS has been carrying out since 1995 for ready-mixed concrete and related products continues with the "G Certification" becoming the only mandatory certification in concrete.
After the G Conformity Certificate is granted by KGS to the concrete producer, the "G Mark" can be attached to the product, making it available for sale in the market.
What is the History of KGS?
KGS is one of the first significant examples of sectoral inspection systems in Turkey. It was established in 1995 by the Turkish Ready-Mixed Concrete Association with the aim of improving and promoting quality in ready-mixed concrete and related building materials.
In 2004, during the EU integration process, KGS was restructured and became an economic enterprise. It was accredited by the Turkish Accreditation Agency (TÜRKAK) according to the TS EN 45011 Standard. The economic enterprise is managed by the KGS Board, which consists of representatives from ministries, universities, architecture and civil engineering chambers, and various producer unions in the construction sector.
In 2008, KGS was appointed as an approved body by the EU with the ID number 2055 to issue CE certification for construction materials. While concrete itself is not subject to CE certification, all products that make up concrete are CE-certified, and KGS performs the CE certification for all of these materials.
KGS has worked for many years to prepare the G Mark Regulation and, following its publication, the Ministry of Public Works and Settlement appointed KGS with the identity number “001” as the approved body to issue the G Conformity Certificate for concrete.
What Are the Conditions for the “G” Conformity Certificate in Concrete?
Concrete is subject to the TS EN 206-1 Standard for the G Conformity Certificate. The production control system that a ready-mixed concrete producer establishes according to the TS EN 206-1 Standard is subject to the first system audit by KGS. A preliminary test of each concrete class is conducted. If the facility has no non-compliance or the non-compliance identified is rectified within the specified time and the test results are acceptable, the G Conformity Certificate is issued for that ready-mixed concrete facility.
The G Conformity Certificate issued is valid for one year, and its validity can be extended by conducting an annual system audit. Additionally, an essential aspect of the G Certification is the surprise product inspections, which are conducted at least three times per year at each production facility after certification. The validity period of the certificate for the facilities that pass the inspection is extended for one year.
When Will the “G” Mark Become Mandatory?
According to the regulation, as of July 1, 2010, it became mandatory for concrete to carry the G Mark before being placed on the market. However, concrete could carry the G Mark before this date as well.
Can a Product Be Marketed Without the “G” Mark?
Construction materials subject to the G Mark Regulation will be subject to market surveillance and inspection by the Ministry of Public Works and Settlement starting from the mandatory enforcement date of July 1, 2010. If a product is marketed without the G Mark, the manufacturer will first be warned by the Ministry. If the certificate is not obtained within the specified period, administrative fines and the suspension of the product's sale may be imposed.
Is the "G" the Only Mandatory Certificate for Concrete?
After the introduction of the G Mark, concrete cannot be marketed without it, so the G Conformity Certificate is now the only mandatory certification. In the early stages, due to a lack of information, there may be cases where the standard compliance certificate is requested in public tenders. However, in such cases, the tendering institution cannot require a specific certificate issuer for the standard compliance certificate. In fact, in addition to the G Conformity Certificate, KGS also issues the KGS Conformity Certificate as an accredited TS EN 206-1 Standard Compliance Certificate, which fulfills the need for a standard compliance certificate.
Thus, with the G Conformity Certificate (and the KGS Conformity Certificate issued after the same audit), all requirements are met for both public and private sector projects.
Standard production is an indispensable element of quality. To produce high-quality, earthquake-resistant, and durable buildings, it is essential to use construction materials that are certified and continuously monitored for quality.