Glass is a commonly used material in the construction industry, designed flexibly for applications such as windows, doors, interior partitions, staircases, bathrooms, etc. Construction glass has many outstanding advantages, including light transmission while limiting harmful radiation, creating a modern and luxurious appearance for buildings, high durability, and reasonable cost.

Construction glass is classified as Group-2 goods, which may pose potential risks and therefore must be certified and declared for conformity before being circulated on the market.

On June 30, 2023, the Ministry of Construction issued Circular No. 04/2023/TT-BXD promulgating the National Technical Regulation on construction material products and goods under QCVN 16:2023/BXD. This regulation takes effect from January 1, 2024, replacing QCVN 16:2019/BXD issued together with Circular No. 19/2019/TT-BXD dated December 31, 2019.

Under QCVN 16:2019/BXD, certification of conformity was required for four types of glass products:

• Float glass

• Tempered flat glass

• Laminated glass and laminated safety glass

• Insulating glass units (sealed double glazing)

However, QCVN 16:2023/BXD additionally includes three more products:

• Heat-absorbing tinted glass

• Reflective coated glass

• Low-emissivity coated glass (Low-E)

It also supplements certain technical criteria and testing methods for laminated glass, laminated safety glass, and insulating glass units.

Some technical indicators for construction glass products

Benefits for enterprises when certifying construction glass products in accordance with QCVN 16:2023/BXD

• Compliance with legal regulations and quality management requirements of the Ministry of Construction and the Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality; products are affixed with the conformity mark (CR mark) and labeled before market circulation, thereby reducing risks during inspections.

• Improvement of product quality, attraction of customers, increase in revenue and competitiveness, and enhanced capability to participate in bidding packages.

• Establishment of a clear and effective quality management process, improving internal management, minimizing errors, and enhancing operational efficiency. Facilitates access to international markets and expansion of business cooperation with foreign partners and customers.

• Ensures safety during use, limits low-quality products, and meets increasing customer demands for safety and convenience.

As one of the three organizations designated early by the Ministry of Construction with certification competence for conformity assessment, and with a team of experienced experts, the ISSQ Institute for Quality Development Studies has been trusted by many organizations and individuals for cooperation.

Certification Process at ISSQ Institute for Quality Development Studies

1. Receiving certification application documents

2. Signing a science and technology service contract

3. Conducting on-site survey and assessment at the enterprise

4. Completing documentation after assessment

5. Reviewing documentation and issuing certification (if compliant)

6. Conducting surveillance assessment every 12 months

7. Conducting re-certification assessment (certificate validity: 3 years)

After completing documentation and obtaining the Certificate of conformity for construction glass products in accordance with QCVN 16:2023/BXD, enterprises must declare conformity at the Department of Construction or competent state authority where the business is registered, in accordance with Circular No. 28/2012/TT-BKHCN and Circular No. 02/2017/TT-BKHCN.

The ISSQ Institute for Quality Development Studies is always ready to accompany enterprises during integration and development.

Please contact hotline: (+84) 981851111 or Email: vienchatluong@issq.org.vn | tcvn@issq.org.vn

Publication date: January 4, 2024