What is an ETA and how does it fit in the CE marking process?

The preferred route under the CPD is for harmonised standards to be written wherever possible. But if standards cannot be produced or foreseen within a reasonable period of time, or if a product deviates substantially from a standard, then a European Technical Approval (ETA) may be written by the European Organisation for Technical Approvals (EOTA).

ETAs may be written according to Guidelines (i.e. ETAGs) if several manufacturers of a particular product in several countries express an interest. If few manufacturers in only one or two countries express an interest, then ETAs may be issued without guidelines.

ETAs have a validity period of 5 years.