CE Marking is a certification mark that determines product conformity with health, safety and environmental protection standards. It majorly applies to product sold within the European economic area (EEA). Moreover, the CE marking can also be found on products that are sold outside the European economic area but are manufactured or designed in the EEA. CE Marking is also known as CE mark.
CE marking certification is mandatory to export products to Euerop. With the CE marking on a product the manufacturer ensures that the product is in conformity with the essential requirements of the applicable EC directives. The letters "CE" stand for "Conformité Européenne" ("European Conformity"). Depending on the level of risk of the product, the CE Mark is affixed to a product by the manufacturer or authorized representative after ensuring that the product meets all the CE mark requirements.
Getting CE marking for a product is necessary in a number of ways, some of which are listed below.
- CE marking on a product gives guarantees that the product is in compliance with the necessary requirements of the European health safety and environmental protection legislations. This gives credit and confidence to the manufacturers to push their products to the global market.
- CE marking on a product also gives assurance to government officials that the product is fit enough to be placed on the market in their country, and thus enhancing global distribution of products
- CE marking on a product also aids easy and free movement or distribution of a product within the European Union market, it also permits the withdrawal of the products that does not conform with the EEA customs and enforcement authorities or regulations.
To apply the CE marking to your product, you need to set up a technical dossier showing that your product fulfils all the EU-wide prerequisites. Being the product's manufacturer, you bear exclusive obligations for ensuring conformity with all requirements. Here are some of the processes for CE marking :
- Make enquiry about the EU requirements (applicable directive / rule) for your product.
- Check whether your product meets the specific requirements for CE Marking.
- Check whether your product needs to be tested by a Notified Body
- Test your product personally & subsequently from external agency (If required for your product).
- Arrange the technical dossier / technical file / technical construction file.
- Affix the CE marking and draft a declaration of conformity (EU Declaration of conformity / EC Declaration of conformity).
CE Marking is mandatory in following European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Turkey.
Apart from above mentioned countries many Asian, African & Middle East countries accept CE Marking as a parameter of product safety.
