CE Marking
A “Technical Passport” for Your Products:
CE Marking within the European Union
Many types of machinery and systems designed for marketing within the European Union must comply with CE Directives.
CE, which stands for Communauté Européenne (European Community), denotes a product’s compliance with the applicable European provisions and directives.
Introduced in 1995, the CE marking is a type of “passport” guaranteeing the compliance of the technical safety of the machinery it identifies; products bearing the marking may be operated and sold in all countries throughout the EU.
Who is responsible for affixing the CE marking?
First and foremost, the manufacturer of a product is responsible for ensuring compliance with European Directives and for affixing the CE marking – irrespective of whether the manufacturer is located within or outside the European Union. To do this, manufacturers may appoint an authorized representative established in the European Union to act on their behalf.
The CE marking is generally a declaration by the manufacturer, importer, or entity first placing the product on the market that the machinery conforms to the appropriate Directives. This is confirmed by the legally binding signature on the Declaration of Conformity.
I am a manufacturer, importer, or entity first placing the product on the market. When do I have to affix the CE marking?
For you as a manufacturer, importer, or entity first placing the product on the market, CE marking is essential as it entitles you to offer your products for sale in the EU. You are responsible for the implementation of the relevant EU Directives in conformity with standards. The manufacturer or authorized representative must document the product’s conformity with the relevant EU Directives by affixing the CE marking.
If you fail to deliver the requisite verification in your capacity as a manufacturer or importer, the competent market surveillance authority may prohibit you from placing your products on the market.
Gaining a competitive edge with the CE marking
The CE marking itself is solely a means to facilitate the free passage of goods throughout Europe and to demonstrate compliance with uniform safety standards. Though CE marking is mandatory, you can still use it to carve out a competitive profile for your company and your machinery by using a recognized EU Notified Body such as TÜV SÜD .
The CE marking thus becomes an opportunity for you to demonstrate your safety standards to your customers.
TÜV SÜD – your experienced partner for all issues related to CE marking
Our experts provide you with support and assistance throughout the entire process of obtaining CE conformity for your products, machinery or systems (general CE for multiple machines linked in an automated system):
- research into and interpretation of standards
- risk assessment and design support for incorporating safety structures
- machinery testing with technical report
- training of all employees involved
- TÜV SÜD certificate “Tested Safety”