The recent harmonisation of UNI EN 17235:2024 represents a historic milestone for the sector of permanent anchor devices and permanently installed fall protection systems.
The standard specifies performance requirements and test methods for devices permanently fixed to buildings and civil engineering works, intended for use with personal fall protection systems.
With its harmonisation, EN 17235 becomes the official European reference standard under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) 305/2011, paving the way for mandatory CE marking for this category of products.
EN 17235:2024 specifically applies to:
The standard introduces a classification of complete anchorage kits, assessed as systems rather than as individual components:
A key technical innovation of EN 17235 is the introduction of performance classes based on the number of users simultaneously connected to the system.
Dynamic testing is defined in classes from 1 to 4, with the following design action values:
This framework harmonises performance levels at European level and enables clear declaration of performance.
The key turning point of the EN 17235 harmonisation is its alignment with the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) through Annex ZA.
This entails the application of Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP) System 1+.
Under System 1+:
👉 Permanent anchor devices officially become CE-marked construction products.
Before EN 17235, the main reference standard in Italy was UNI 11578:2015, which defined requirements and test methods for permanent anchor devices.
During the transitional period, the two standards will coexist, but with substantial differences.
UNI 11578: Italian technical standard
EN 17235: harmonised European standard under the CPR
Only EN 17235 enables full application of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and mandatory CE marking.
EN 17235 assesses the device as a complete anchorage kit, including fixings and a representative supporting structure.
UNI 11578 was more focused on the individual device, while specifying that conformity does not replace verification of the actual supporting structure.
EN 17235 introduces performance classes for up to 4 users with progressively increasing dynamic test values.
UNI 11578 provided dynamic testing with reference values mainly based on 1–2 users.
| Aspect | UNI 11578:2015 | EN 17235:2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Harmonised under CPR | No | Yes |
| CE Marking | Not provided | Mandatory |
| AVCP System | Not applicable | System 1+ |
| Notified Body | No | Yes |
9 February 2026 → official harmonisation of EN 17235
9 August 2027 → end of coexistence period and withdrawal of conflicting national standards
The harmonisation of EN 17235:2024 introduces:
EN 17235 therefore becomes the new key reference standard for the design, manufacture, installation and documentary verification of permanent fall protection systems.
