 What is CE Marking?
The CE Marking is the
manufacturer's declaration, showing compliance with all applicable directives.
For most products sold in the EU, the use of the CE Marking and a Declaration of
Conformity are mandatory.
With the exception of some high-risk products, most
products can be self- assessed by the manufacturer to meet the Essential
Requirements. While the CE Marking does permit a product's access to the EU, it
is not an approval mark, certification or quality mark; nor is it intended to be
simply a marketing tool. CE is a "Marking" that is only a declaration of the
supplier's own responsibility. While enabling products to be placed on the
European market, it allows for the free movement of goods and permits the
withdrawal of non-conforming products - but no more.
The CE Marking should not
be confused with other approval marks or certifications issued by an EU-accredited
certification body. As stated in the European Commission's Guide to the
Implementation of Community Harmonization Directives:
"Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that the products
they place on the market meet all relevant regulations. Where these
regulations do not require mandatory certification, manufacturers often
seek voluntary certification to assure themselves that their products do
meet the requirements set by law."
The main goals of the CE Marking are to:
- indicate a product's conformity with the "essential requirements" of the
directives
- allow products to be "placed on the market"
- ensure the "free movement of goods"
- allow the "withdrawal of non-conforming products" by customs and enforcement
authorities
The CE Marking:
- is not a mark or certification or approval issued by a third party,
- is not simply a marketing or promotional tool
- is not a quality mark
- is not for components*
*(Although there are some exceptions, the
vast majority of components do not need CE Marking.)
Get the TÜV Rheinland Competitive
Advantage
The CE Marking shows compliance to the essential
requirements and quality systems requirements specified in the directives, but
not to more stringent safety requirements. In time, most products will bear the
CE Marking. To be competitive, manufacturers can affix TÜV Rheinland test marks
(i.e., GS, EMC, Ergonomic Services, Bauart, GM and T-Mark) in conjunction with
the CE Marking on their products (except for products under the MDD and AIMDD).
The Steps to European Conformity
Step 1: Identify all
applicable Directives and Standards
Step 2: Assess equipment according to the "Essential Requirements" and
"Harmonized Standards"
Step 3: Prepare the "Technical File"
Step 4: Prepare and sign the "Declaration of Conformity"
Step 5: Affix the "CE-Marking"
Note:
All five steps are required,
whether the manufacturer is completing the process on its own for
self-declaration or when utilizing an accredited EU body for the voluntary or
mandatory certification procedures. For certification, the EU testing and
certification body will perform Steps One and Two, and often times Step Three.
TÜV Rheinland, headquartered in Cologne, Germany, has earned an excellent
reputation with more than a century of testing and certification experience. TÜV
Rheinland has offices in more than 30 countries, including many in the U.S.
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