EN 17235

The Harmonisation of EN 17235:2025

A milestone for permanent anchor devices in Europe

On 9 February 2026, EN 17235:2025 was officially published as a harmonised European standard.
It applies to permanently installed anchor devices that are permanently connected to the structure of a building.
With harmonisation, the standard gains legal effect within the framework of the European Construction Products Regulation.

What does EN 17235:2025 regulate?

EN 17235:2025 classifies permanent anchor devices clearly as construction products for the first time.
As a result, they fall under the Construction Products Regulation and are subject to CE marking.
Manufacturers must also provide a Declaration of Performance (DoP – Declaration of Performance).
This standard also covers the fastening kits used to attach the anchorage devices or safety hooks to or into the supporting structure.
The new categorisation distinguishes the following system types:

• Kit A: Fixed single anchor points (up to 2 persons)
• Kit B: Safety roof hooks (up to 2 persons) – replaces EN 517
• Kit C: Flexible horizontal lifeline systems (up to 4 persons)
• Kit D: Rigid horizontal rail systems (up to 4 persons)

This establishes a clear European system framework for permanently installed safety systems.

What happens to EN 795?

The previous EN 795:2012 regulated both temporary and permanently installed anchor devices.
With the introduction of EN 17235:2025, the systems permanently connected to the structure
(Type A, C, D) are removed from EN 795. Temporary anchor devices remain within EN 795.
This separation creates clear responsibilities and increases legal transparency.

What changes regarding testing requirements

The introduction of EN 17235:2025 leads to significantly higher testing requirements compared to EN 795:2012.
The reason is the classification as a construction product – which entails more extensive testing and verification obligations.
The standard requires, among other things:

• Static tests
• Dynamic drop tests with 100 kg (no failure permitted)
• Testing on standardised test substrates
• Statistical evaluation in accordance with Eurocode (at least three tests per configuration required)
• Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP)
• Recurring production and batch testing

This means that not only the product itself, but also its consistent quality is monitored.

Transitional provisions

A coexistence period applies until 9 August 2027.
During this transitional period:
Anchorage devices certified with EN 795:2012 Type A, C and D must gradually be replaced by EN 17235:2025.
Existing products installed during the transition period will stay valid.

What does this mean for our customers?

The introduction of EN 17235:2025 ensures:

• Uniform standards across Europe
• Greater comparability between systems
• Increased transparency for planners and operators
• Stronger long-term legal certainty for all parties involved

The increased testing requirements mean one thing above all: safety is verified in an even more systematic manner.
EN 17235:2025 is not a formal administrative act. It is a qualitative step forward for fall protection in Europe.
It makes safety measurable, comparable and legally secure.