What is the CE marking?

The CE marking is a symbol attesting to the conformity of a product with the applicable requirements laid down in the relevant European Union legislation.

By affixing the CE marking, manufacturers declare on their sole responsibility that the product complies with all the applicable legislative requirements of the European Union.

The CE marking must be affixed both to goods manufactured in Member States and to goods produced in third countries and marketed in the European Economic Area. The CE marking does not therefore indicate that a product is manufactured in the EU, but merely confirms that the product meets the legal requirements to be placed on the European market.

Who affixes the CE marking?

The CE marking can only be affixed by the manufacturer or an authorised representative.

Where is the mark affixed?

In general, the marking is affixed to the product. Where this is not possible due to the nature of the product, the marking should be affixed to the packaging and, where appropriate, to the documents accompanying it.

Which products is this marking affixed to?

The CE marking is only affixed to goods in relation to which EU legislation provides for affixing such a marking. These might be either consumer or industrial goods (e.g. toys, computers, mobile phones, refrigerators, sanitary products, lifts, low-voltage equipment, protective equipment, construction products, etc.).

How to affix the CE marking

The marking must be affixed in such a way that it is visible, legible and durable. According to the legislation, the marking is overlaid on a grid – which is not part of the marking and serves to inform and verify proportions. If the marking is reduced or enlarged, the proportions must remain unchanged and the height must be at least 5 mm.

Obtaining the CE certificate

Obtaining a CE certificate requires the manufacturer to prepare a technical dossier in accordance with the New Approach Directives, including information that the product complies with the essential requirements. This dossier may be part of the documentation concerning the quality system where the Directive provides for a conformity assessment procedure based on a quality system. This obligation starts when the product is placed on the market, regardless of the geographical origin of the product.

The technical dossier must be kept for at least 10 years following the manufacturing date of the product, unless the relevant Directive explicitly provides for another period. This is the responsibility of the manufacturer or their authorised representative within the EU.

Product standardisation

By standardising the quality and safety of products, companies gain consumer confidence.

The standards imposed through European Union legislation help protect the environment and human health. For example, there are standards that provide measurement methods to monitor and control air pollution. Food hygiene standards provide classification and testing methods for materials that come into contact with food.

Another advantage is an improved access to markets: standards facilitate entry on new markets by making products or services compatible and comparable.

Standards can also help improve the interoperability between products or services. For instance, standards advise on the size of the rail tracks to ensure the safety of trains.

Technical specifications of products

Requirements under national rules may differ among Member States, in particular as regards:

• size/dimensions
• weight
• composition
• labelling
• packaging
• testing

Product certification

Product certification means certification by a third-party certification body that a specifically identified product complies with the characteristics defined in a normative (reference) document and with the legal regulations on product safety. Product conformity certification services are provided based on certification contracts with a validity of 2 years.