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FAQs about CE Marking

29th September 2014

Why CE marking?

For many products, equipment and machinery sold or supplied to the European Union, CE marking is a pre-requisite.

Here we’ll provide key information on this mark of conformity.

What does having a CE mark actually mean?

It’s a declaration made by the supplier that all applicable conformity assessment procedures have been completed and that the product conforms to EU Directives. There are numerous product categories presently covered including:

European Union directives - also known as the New Approach Directives - define “essential requirements” related to health, safety and environmental issues. All products covered by these Directives must be CE marked unless a specific Directive says otherwise. Note that the same product may be subject to several CE marking Directives.

Is CE marking obligatory?

Yes, CE marking is obligatory for products and equipment sold or supplied on the EU market. CE marking falls under European Law, as well as the national laws of each EU Member State. 

For products and equipment sold or supplied to the United Kingdom market, UKCA marking applies, rather than CE marking.

Use of a CE mark is a Declaration of Conformity; it follows that a product should not be CE marked if there is no Directive in place for that product. When applicable, the CE mark should be attached to:

  • All new products, whether manufactured in the EU Member States or in third countries
  • Used and second-hand products imported from third countries
  • Products that have been substantially modified, unless the applicable Directives specifically exclude this requirement

Which areas does CE marking cover?

UKCA marking covers products and equipment in the following categories:

  • Electromagnetic compatibility
  • Low-voltage electrical equipment
  • Machinery
  • Aerosols
  • Ecodesign
  • Equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres (UKEX)
  • Gas appliances
  • Lifts
  • Measuring container bottles
  • Measuring instruments
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Pressure equipment
  • Pyrotechnics
  • Radio equipment
  • Recreational craft and personal watercraft
  • Simple pressure vessels
  • Toys

Products with special rules

Some types of products and equipment are covered by CE marking but also have their own special rules. Check the EU’s official website for sector-specific guidance on the following areas:

  • Cableways
  • Civil explosives
  • Construction products
  • Energy using products
  • Hazardous substances (RoHS)
  • Marine equipment
  • Medical devices
  • Rail interoperability
  • Transportable pressure equipment

When is CE marking not required?

CE marking is not required for products being sold outside the EU, Switzerland or Turkey. In other countries, different standards will need to be complied with, although these may be similar to CE marking requirements.

In the European market, there are some product categories to which CE marking does not apply.

Product categories that do not require CE marking

These include, but are not exclusive to:

  • chemicals
  • cosmetics
  • foodstuffs
  • pharmaceuticals

How should I apply the CE mark?

Only the manufacturer, or its authorised representative within the EEA may apply CE marking, which must take the form described in Directive 93/68/EEC. The manufacturer assumes ultimate responsibility for applying the mark, or the manufacturer may appoint an authorised representative who should be based within the EU to act on their behalf. This person or organisation, known as a European Authorised Representative, then assumes the responsibilities of the manufacturer.

When is the CE Mark applied?

Only once all assessment procedures covering conformity have been completed and the product is compliant.

Can I, as a manufacturer, affix the CE mark to my equipment?

Yes, the CE marking is always affixed by the manufacturer or by their authorised representative after the necessary conformity assessment procedure has been performed.

Where should the CE mark be applied?

Usually, you would apply the CE mark directly onto a product or piece of equipment, or its packaging. 

The CE mark might also be placed in the product manual for products and equipment, or in other supporting literature. This depends on the regulations in the Directive that applies to the particular product or equipment type. 

Can we be sure that equipment affixed with the CE marking is safe?

There is never a 100 per cent guarantee that a product bearing the CE mark is safe. However, the obligations of the manufacturer are clear - by affixing the CE marking to a product, the manufacturer assumes full responsibility for its compliance with all applicable requirements in EU legislation.

It is the system behind CE marking that ensures its proper functioning. The entire system, consisting of manufacturers, importers, distributors, notified bodies and market surveillance authorities, has been strengthened through the new legislative framework, which aims to further reduce burdens on trade in the EU while, at the same time ensuring a high level of safety and protection of other public interests.

CE marking and modified equipment

In most cases, equipment will not need to be CE marked after being modified. However, you may have to carry out conformity testing for a new CE mark if the modification:

  • was so extensive that the equipment is considered a new item when compared to the original equipment
  • affects either the safety design or the system function
  • presents new hazards that weren’t present in the equipment’s original design and weren’t previously assessed

Note that even if modified equipment doesn’t require a new CE mark, it will still need to be safe to use and meet PUWER requirements and be safe to use. 

What is a manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity (DoC)?

This document indicates that the product in question meets all the necessary requirements stipulated in the applicable directive. It can only be issued by the manufacturer or his representative, as detailed above.

Who supervises the correct use of the CE marking?

Public authorities in EU Member States in cooperation with the European Commission.

What are the penalties for counterfeiting the CE mark?

It varies by Member State but economic operators may be liable to a fine and, in some circumstances, imprisonment. Products may be withdrawn or recalled from the market.

Compliance Testing for CE marking

If you are a manufacturer who wants to get your products or equipment CE certified, speaking to IES is a good place to start. We offer a turnkey compliance testing service, helping manufacturers and OEMs test new, second hand and modified equipment.

We test your high-technology equipment against the requirements of the following three Directives:

Our assessments are carried out by experts with 30 years of experience in compliance testing, allowing you to achieve CE certification with complete confidence. 

Where can I find more information?

For details of our full service offering, case studies and testimonials - discover more about Compliance Testing from IES or contact us to discuss your requirements.






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