CE marking

CE marking is the manufacturer’s indication that their product is in conformity with the applicable requirements set out in Community harmonisation legislation providing for its affixing and that they take responsibility for the conformity of the product. (Definition from Regulation (EC) 765/2008)

European consumers expect all products on sale on the EU market to be safe and the role of the CE mark is to signal to the consumer that the product complies with all EU rules, including the safety requirements. Not all products require the CE mark, but all products must be safe and must comply with all applicable legislation.

Products that must be CE marked include the following:

• Toys
• All kinds of electrical products
• Machinery
• Gas appliances
• Personal protective equipment
• Medical devices

There are, however, some products that do not require CE marking and it would actually be illegal to use the CE mark on these products, for example:

• Childcare articles and juvenile products
• Textiles, clothing and footwear
• Cosmetics

The CE mark is a self-declaration of the manufacturer and is not an approval from an authority. The manufacturer is responsible for applying the CE mark, but certain steps must be taken before the CE mark can be put on a product:

1) The manufacturer must design and manufacture the product, so it is safe and complies with all relevant EU legislation. This includes production control and risk assessment.

2)  The manufacturer must compile a technical documentation that demonstrates that the product is safe and compliant.

3) The manufacturer must draw up and sign a declaration of conformity.

4) The manufacturer be permitted to affix the CE mark to the product, where it is required. CE marks can be printed using the template in Regulation 765/2008, Annex II.