More about CE Marking

EU harmonization

Finally, a little bit of history. The objectives of the first harmonisation directives focused on the elimination of barriers and on the free movement of goods in the single market. These objectives are now being complemented by a comprehensive policy geared to ensure that only safe and otherwise compliant products find their way on to the market.

In this way, all businesses benefit from an honest level playing field, thus promoting at the same time an effective protection of EU consumers and professional users and also: a competitive single EU market.

All you need to know

How I know that it is the official CE mark logo?
To understand the difference between both marks better, see the side-by-side comparison presented in the picture below. As you can see, the difference is not only in the meaning, but even though that the “Chinese export” mark resembles the official European CE Mark, it doesn’t respect its dimensions or proportions. In this regard, the letters are formed identically, but the spacing between them is different. Thus, this is precisely what differentiates the two marks. A correct CE mark has the E started on the circular profile drawn out by the C character.

Is a product affixed with the CE marking always produced in the EU?
No. The CE marking only signals that all essential requirements have been fulfilled when the product was manufactured. The CE marking is not a mark of origin, as it does not indicate that the product was manufactured in the European Union. Consequently, a product affixed with the CE marking may have been produced anywhere in the world.

Are all CE marked products tested and approved by authorities?
No. In fact, the assessment of the conformity of the products with the legislative requirements applying to them is the sole responsibility of the manufacturer. The manufacturer affixes the CE marking and drafts the EU declaration of conformity. Only products which are regarded as presenting a high risk to the public interest, e.g. pressure vessels, lifts and certain machine tools, require conformity assessment by a third party, i.e. a notified body.

Can I, as a manufacturer, affix my products with the CE marking myself?
Yes, the CE marking is always affixed by the manufacturer himself or his authorised representative after the necessary conformity assessment procedure has been performed. This means that, before being affixed with the CE marking and being placed on the market, the product must be subject to the conformity assessment procedure provided for in one or more of the applicable Union harmonisation acts.

Where should the CE marking be affixed?
The marking shall be affixed either to the product or to the product's data plate. When that is not possible due to the nature of the product, the CE marking shall be affixed to the packaging and/or to any accompanying documents.

What is a manufacturer's declaration of conformity?
The EU declaration of conformity (EU DoC) is a document in which the manufacturer, or his authorised representative within the European Economic Area (EEA), indicates that the product meets all the necessary requirements of the Union harmonisation legislation applicable to the specific product. Whether a Notified Body has been involved or not, the manufacturer must draw up and sign the EE declaration of conformity.

Is CE marking mandatory, and if so; for what products?
Yes, CE marking is mandatory. However, only the products that are covered by the scope of one or more of the Union harmonisation acts providing for CE marking shall be affixed with it in order to be placed on the Union market. Examples of products that fall under Union harmonisation acts providing for CE marking are toys, electrical products, machinery, personal protective equipment and lifts. Products that are not covered by CE marking legislation shall not bear the CE marking.

All you need to know

What is the difference between the CE marking and other markings, and can other markings be affixed on the product if there is a CE marking?
The CE marking is the only marking that indicates conformity to all the essential requirements of the Union harmonisation legislation that provide for its affixing. A product may bear additional markings provided that they do not have the same meaning as the CE marking, that they are not liable to cause confusion with the CE marking and that they do not impair the legibility and visibility of the CE marking.

What are the sanctions for counterfeiting the CE marking?
The procedures, measures and sanctions that apply to counterfeiting of the CE marking are laid down in Member State's national administrative and penal law. Depending on the seriousness of the crime, economic operators may be liable to a fine and, in some circumstances, imprisonment. However, if the product is not regarded as an imminent safety risk, the manufacturer may be given a second opportunity to ensure that the product is in conformity with the applicable legislation before being obliged to take the product off the market.

Where can I find more information?
For the complete information, visit http://ec.europa.eu/

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