CE Marking Certification

What is CE Marking (CE Mark)?

CE Marking on a product as an indication of conformance to laid down minimum standards, and therefore a minimum level of safety which other products may lack. CE Marking is thus for many consumers a “Symbol of Safety.” Being a manufacturer exporting to EU, if you have not got your products fixed with CE Marking, it is now time to invest in it. CE Marking on your product will be more valuable than millions of dollars spent on advertising.

The EC declaration of conformity is the written statement and the a single declaration drawn up by the manufacturer to demonstrate the fulfillment of the EU requirements relating to a product bearing the CE marking he has manufactured. The declaration shall be in respect of all Community acts applicable to the product containing all information required for the identification of Community harmonization legislation to which the declaration relates.

This declaration must cover one or more products manufactured, clearly identified by means of product name, product code or other unambiguous reference and must be kept by the manufacturer, or his European Authorized Representative if the manufacturer is based outside the EU.

CE Marking is the symbol as shown on the top of this page. The letters “CE” are the abbreviation of French phrase “Conformité Européene” which literally means “European Conformity”. The term initially used was “EC Mark” and it was officially replaced by “CE Marking” in the Directive 93/68/EEC in 1993. “CE Marking” is now used in all EU official documents.”CE Mark” is also in use, but it is NOT the official term.

1. CE Marking on a product is a manufacturer declaration that the product complies with the essential requirements of the relevant European health, safety and environmental protection legislation of EU.

*Product Directives contains the “essential requirements” and/or “performance levels” and “Harmonized Standards” to which the products must conform. Harmonized Standards are the technical specifications (European Standards or Harmonization Documents) which are established by several European standards agencies (CEN, CENELEC, etc).

CEN stands for European Committee for Standardization.

CENELEC stands for European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization.

2. CE Marking on a product indicates to governmental officials that the product may be legally placed on the market in their country.

3. CE Marking on a product ensures the free movement of the product within the EFTA & European Union (EU) single market (total 28 countries)

4. CE Marking on a product permits the withdrawal of the non-conforming products by customs and enforcement/vigilance authorities.

Along with more directives becoming effective, more and more products are required to bear the CE Marking for gaining access to the EFTA & European Union market.

General Principles of the CE marking

The CE marking shall be affixed only by the manufacturer or his authorized representative.The CE marking shall be affixed only to products to which its affixing is provided for by specific Community harmonization legislation, and shall not be affixed to any other product
By affixing or having affixed the CE marking, the manufacturer indicates that he takes responsibility for the conformity of the product with all applicable requirements set out in the relevant Community harmonization legislation providing for its affixing.
The CE marking shall be the only marking which attests the conformity of the product with the applicable requirements of the relevant Community harmonization legislation providing for its affixing.
The affixing to a product of markings, signs or inscriptions which are likely to mislead third parties regarding the meaning or form of the CE marking shall be prohibited. Any other marking may be affixed to the product provided that the visibility, legibility and meaning of the CE marking is not thereby impaired.
Member States shall ensure the correct implementation of the regime governing the CE marking and take appropriate action in the event of improper use of the marking. Member States shall also provide for penalties for infringements, which may include criminal sanctions for serious infringements. Those penalties shall be proportionate to the seriousness of the offence and constitute an effective deterrent against improper use.

CE Marking is a “Passport to Europe” for non-EU products?

The European Union ‘New Approach directives’ are mandatory on all member countries to enact through national legislation. CE Marking is one important measure that the EU has adopted to establish the single market and foster economic development for the member states. The objective of the directives is to simplify the movement of goods into and within the EU. This may eventually lead to the free movement of goods throughout Europe as more and more European countries are expected to join the EU.
The European Commission thus refers to the CE Marking as a “Passport” which allows products to be freely circulated within the EU single market.