What is the CE Mark and Why is it Used?
CE marking indicates that a product has been assessed by the manufacturer and deemed to meet EU (European Union) directives as applicable for that product. Examples include Electrical Safety (Low-Voltage Directive or LVD 2014/35/EU), Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) and the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC).
The CE mark is required for electrical and electronic products manufactured anywhere in the world that will be sold in the European market.
Products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA) must obey strict medical device regulations (MDR 2017/745) and environmental protection directives such as RoHS 3 (EU 2015/863) and REACH (Regulation EC No. 1907/2006). Products must be CE-marked to indicate that it complies with all applicable laws. If the product does not bear CE marking and does not meet CE marking requirements, then it can not legally be sold in any of the 27 member states of the European Union.
CE marking is the method for manufacturers to show their product meets EU rules on health, safety and environmental protection. The CE mark means a product has been tested or evaluated for compliance with all relevant CE technical standards and meets the applicable CE marking directives. It also means a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) citing the relevant directives and technical standards has been made by the manufacturer for the product.
Manufacturers are responsible for performing conformity assessment procedures, commonly with the help of an ISO 17025 accredited lab such as Green Mountain Electromagnetics. This is to ensure that the product meets all relevant CE technical standards and EMC safety requirements.
The manufacturer should work with this accredited lab to determine which directives and standards apply to the product. Then the lab carries out the necessary tests of the product and reports to the manufacturer. With supporting documentation the manufacturer then makes a declaration that the product meets all relevant requirements.
What types of products usually require CE marking?
The following are examples of product categories subject to CE marking: machinery, electrical equipment, radio equipment, diagnostic medical devices and certain toys. Any product that may cause harm to the public or affect the environment needs to be assessed to the applicable CE directives.
How to obtain the CE mark?
It is the manufacturer's responsibility to place the CE-Mark on products that are not notably hazardous. Before a CE Mark is placed on a product, it should undergo testing.
After successful testing, a manufacturer is then able to issue a CE DoC for the product in accordance with EU directives. This DoC covers electrical safety, machinery safety, electromagnetic emissions, electromagnetic immunity, and many other areas. For a full breakdown of CE requirements and information on maintaining your CE Certificate, visit our CE Marking page.