National Technical Assessment (KOT)

The National Technical Assessment (KOT) is an official, positive evaluation of the performance characteristics of a construction product, which, based on its intended use, influence the ability of a building to meet essential performance requirements. These requirements are outlined in Article 5(1)(1) of the Construction Law Act of 7 July 1994.

When Is a KOT Document Required?

A KOT is issued for a construction product when:

• The product is not covered by a Polish Standard (PN),

• The evaluation method defined in the Polish Standard is not appropriate for at least one essential performance characteristic,

• The Polish Standard does not define an evaluation method for at least one essential performance characteristic.

Since 1 January 2017, KOT has replaced national technical approvals for construction products.

Note: The KOT is not a document permitting a product to be marketed or used in construction. Instead, it serves as a reference for drawing up the national declaration of performance and for marking the product with the B construction mark.

What Is the Basis for Issuing a KOT?

A KOT is issued based on the assessment of the construction product's performance characteristics and its expected durability. This assessment includes, where applicable, testing, calculations, inspections, expert opinions, and other documentation, aligned with harmonised testing methods and technical knowledge.

Obtaining a KOT involves fees.

Who Issues the National Technical Assessment?

The KOT is issued by authorised technical assessment bodies designated by law. The list of such bodies is maintained by the Chief Inspector of Building Control.

KOTs are issued based on the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure and Construction dated 17 November 2016 on national technical assessments.

The issuing body may revoke a KOT at its own initiative or at the request of the Chief Inspector of Building Control. Both active and revoked assessments are recorded in an electronic register maintained by the issuing body.

How Long Is a KOT Valid?

A KOT is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. It may be extended for subsequent periods of up to 5 years. The costs of issuing, amending or extending a KOT are borne by the applicant.

Declaration of Performance and B Marking

The Regulation of 17 November 2016 also outlines the methods for declaring the performance of construction products, national systems for assessment and verification of constancy of performance (AVCP), product group responsibilities, the format and content of the national declaration, and how it should be provided to customers. It also details the procedures for applying the B construction mark and accompanying information.

Required Documents for KOT Application

Applicants for issuance, extension or amendment of a KOT must submit a complete set of documents along with a filled-in application form, submitted to the Quality and Certification Centre (IK).

The following documents must accompany the application:

1. Extended technical description of the product, technical documentation, drawings, calculations, and any information relevant for performance assessment.

2. Description of factory production control, including the production process.

3. Documents confirming the product’s performance characteristics, including test and calculation reports.

4. Relevant legal requirements and documents issued under applicable laws.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain all necessary test results, documents, calculations and classifications.

Source of Documentation

All submitted documents must come from:

• Accredited laboratories as defined by the Polish law on conformity assessment and market surveillance systems,

• Foreign laboratories recognised under international agreements or notified bodies under EU Regulation No. 305/2011,

• Domestic or foreign laboratories recognised by the assessment body through formal agreements.

Product Performance Assessment Conditions

The rules for evaluating the performance characteristics of a product are referred to as “assessment conditions.”

These are developed by the assessment body in accordance with its scope of competence, as outlined in the Construction Products Act. The assessment conditions define the methods for testing, evaluating, and verifying product performance, including factory production control.

If multiple bodies are competent for a product, they jointly prepare the assessment conditions. These are published on the issuing body’s website.

KOT and the Railway Institute

According to decision No. 1/KJOT/WB/2018 of 6 August 2018 by the Ministry of Investment and Development, the Railway Institute has been designated as a National Technical Assessment Body. It is authorised to issue, amend, extend, and revoke KOTs for construction products used in rail track applications upon receipt of a complete application package.

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