The CE marking is a symbolic marking that indicates that a product complies with European legislation and the health, safety, and environmental requirements applicable within the European Economic Area (EEA). It stands for Conformité Européenne , which literally means "European Conformity."
What is the CE marking?
The CE marking on a product means that the product complies with the essential requirements laid down in the relevant European directives or regulations. It indicates that the product can be used safely and that it meets the established health, safety, and environmental standards.
Functions of the CE marking:
- Safety and quality : The CE marking shows that a product has been tested and complies with the set European standards, which means that the product is safe to use.
- Free trade within the EU : A product with the CE marking can be freely traded within the European Union and the countries that are part of the European Economic Area (EEA) without the need for additional national approvals.
- Access to other markets : The CE marking can facilitate access to markets outside the EU, as many countries recognise the CE marking as proof that a product meets certain quality and safety standards.
When is CE marking required?
The CE marking is mandatory for products covered by specific European directives or regulations. This applies to a wide range of products, such as:
- Consumer electronics (e.g. computers, household appliances)
- Medical devices
- Toys
- Building materials
- Health and safety products such as personal protective equipment
- Machines and tools
- Aerospace products and parts
What does the CE marking mean for the manufacturer?
When a manufacturer affixes a CE mark to a product, they declare that the product complies with all applicable requirements of European legislation. The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that the product meets the requirements and is often required to maintain technical documentation and a conformity assessment. In some cases, it may be necessary to engage a notified body for testing and certification, especially for higher-risk products such as medical devices or machinery.
CE marking process:
- Identify the relevant European directives : The manufacturer must determine which laws and regulations apply to the product.
- Compliance with requirements : The product must meet the stated health, safety and environmental requirements.
- Conducting tests and assessments : The product must be tested and assessed to ensure it meets the requirements of the directives.
- Drawing up technical documentation : The manufacturer must maintain detailed documentation demonstrating compliance with the requirements.
- Affixing the CE marking : Once all requirements have been met, the manufacturer can affix the CE marking to the product.
What happens in case of non-compliance?
If a product bears the CE marking without actually meeting the relevant requirements, the manufacturer or importer may be fined, and the product may be withdrawn from the market. This can lead to fines or other legal consequences. Furthermore, consumers and users may be exposed to safety or health risks due to unsafe products.
Summary:
The CE marking is a mandatory symbol indicating that a product complies with European health, safety, and environmental standards. It provides access to the European market and ensures that products are safe to use. The manufacturer is responsible for complying with the guidelines and maintaining the necessary documentation.