CE MARKING

CE marking is a mark that manufacturers use to indicate that a product meets relevant European Union (EU) legal conformity standards in terms of safety, health and environmental protection. The system applies throughout the European Economic Area and only applies to products falling under EU legislation that requires CE marking.

The general principles of CE marking are laid down in Regulation (EC) No 765/2008.

When it is necessary to obtain CE marking, manufacturers have to:

• carry out a conformity assessment;
• decide from the legislation whether they may assess the product themselves or if they have to involve a notified body (an officially appointed organisation that certifies conformity with standards);
• set up the technical file documenting conformity;
• draft and sign an EU declaration of conformity; and
• attach the CE marking to the product.

As intermediaries between manufacturers and traders, importers and distributors must know the legal requirements and ensure that the products they distribute or import meet them.

SEE ALSO

• European Economic Area
• European Union
• Internal market
• Accreditation and market surveillance (summary)
• CE marking (European Commission)
• The ‘Blue Guide’ on the implementation of EU product rules 2016 (European Commission).