CE marking

What is CE marking?

We encounter this symbol every day and recognize it at a glance: the CE mark. "CE" is the acronym for Conformité Européenne. It literally means "in accordance with European regulations."

By affixing the CE marking, the manufacturer declares, under his own responsibility, that the product complies with all applicable European requirements that require this marking, and that the appropriate conformity assessment procedures have been successfully applied. This marking is mandatory for about 30 different product groups: from construction products to toys, measuring instruments and elevators.

The requirements your product must meet are laid down in European directives, regulations and decisions.

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What benefits does CE marking offer your company?

If you market a product in the EEA, it often has to have the CE mark. This marking:

• is an important indicator (but certainly not proof) that your product meets the requirements set out in the applicable EU harmonization text(s);
• Promotes the free trade of your product within the EEA;
• helps improve the safety of your product for consumers and the environment;
• is the visible result of the entire conformity assessment process carried out by the product manufacturer.

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How to achieve CE marking

Here are the crucial steps for obtaining CE marking:

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• ‍Check the European directives, regulations and decisions to which your product is subject: you can find the list on the European Commission's website.‍
• Research the requirements of the applicable regulations: in most cases, European regulations define the essential requirements that your product must meet (New Approach regulations). For each European regulation of this type, harmonized standards translate these essential requirements into technical requirements. If your product meets the harmonized standards, this results in a "presumption of conformity with the essential requirements."
• Find the correct procedure to assess the conformity of your product: this procedure is included in the applicable regulations for your product.
• Test your product if necessary: some regulations allow or require testing, possibly by a third party, on your product.
• Compile a technical file that provides information about the design, production and operation of your product.
• Draft an EU declaration of conformity and affix the CE mark visibly, legibly and indelibly to your product.

More information on CE marking can be found on the European Commission website or on the FPS Economy website.