CE Mark 
What is a CE Mark?
The CE Mark is a mark placed on a product as the manufacturer’s visual
identifier that the product meets the requirements of one or more European
Directives.
What is a Directive?
In order to facilitate free trade and ensure the safety of certain products,
European countries, through the European Commission, have developed a series
of standards, or Directives as they are referred to, which manufacturers
must meet in order to legally export their products into the European member
countries. These Directives replace individual country standards as they
relate principally to the safety of these products. Compliance with these
Directives is mandatory. It is a legal obligation on the part of the
manufacturer or his agent. Penalties for failing to CE Mark a product can be
severe.
Which countries have adopted the Directives?
The countries where CE Mark compliance is a legal requirement are:
| Austria |
|
Belgium |
| Denmark |
|
Finland |
| France |
|
Germany |
| Greece |
|
Iceland |
| Ireland |
|
Italy |
| Liechtenstein |
|
Luxembourg |
| Netherlands
|
|
Norway |
| Portugal |
|
Spain |
| Sweden |
|
UK |
Other countries are
likely to adopt the Directives in the future.
What products do the
Directives cover?
The Directives apply to a wide range of products. The most notable products
which are likely to need to be CE Marked are:
Machinery of almost any description
Electrical and electronic equipment
Medical devices and equipment
Marine equipment
Personal protective equipment
Equipment for use in explosive environments
Does it apply to my
product?
There are certain exclusions, but if you manufacture any of the above types
of equipment or products and export or plan to export to Europe, then one or
more of the Directives almost certainly applies.
If it does apply what do I
have to do?
The actions required to become compliant with the Directives vary according
to which Directives apply and also the type or classification of the
equipment as defined by the Directives.
The requirements of the Directive are essentially to
ensure that manufacturers have identified and addressed all aspects of
design and manufacture which could impact safety and the safe operation of
the equipment.
Depending on the nature of the equipment or product, the
manufacturer may be able to implement and declare compliance and affix the
CE Mark without assistance or services from an external company. In some
cases the Directives require and mandate that the services of a Notified
Body be used.
What is a Notified Body?
A Notified Body is an independent body appointed by an agency within one of
the European countries, usually governmental, as being capable of performing
the duties of a Notified Body as defined by the Directives.
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