What is CE Marking?
Many products require CE marking before they can be sold in the EU. CE marking indicates that a product has been assessed by the manufacturer and deemed to meet EU safety, health and environmental protection requirements. It is required for products manufactured anywhere in the world that are then marketed in the EU.
When is CE marking mandatory?
CE marking is only obligatory for products for which EU Directives exist and require the affixing of CE marking.
Some products are subject to several EU Directives at the same time. You must make sure that your product complies with all the relevant requirements before affixing the CE marking to it. It is forbidden to affix the CE marking to products for which EU specifications do not exist or do not require the affixing of CE marking. If you need any help contact the CE Marking Authority
How to obtain CE marking?
As the product's manufacturer, you bear sole responsibility for declaring conformity with all requirements. You don't need a license to affix the CE marking to your product, however, before doing so, you must:
ensure conformity with all relevant EU-wide requirements
determine whether you can assess your product by yourself or if you have to involve a notified body
put together a technical dossier documenting conformity: find out about technical documentation
draft and sign an EU declaration of conformity
Once your product bears the CE marking — if the competent national authority requests — you must provide them with all the information and supporting documentation concerning CE marking.
Do you need an independent assessment?
You need to check if your product you are selling can be produced using an internal control of production quality system or have to be tested by a notified body. You can find this information in the relevant legislation applicable to your product.
Under the rules of internal control of production you can self certify yourself or you can engage a independent certification like the CE Marking Authority to guide you through the process by checking that the product complies with all the technical requirements. This includes identifying any possible risks when using your product and documenting the method used to demonstrate compliance with the essential health and safety requirements listed in the relevant directives.
If your product needs to be verified by a notified body you can use the Nando database to search for a notified body that can certify your product.