“What is the CE mark and what does it represent?

• CE mark is an abbreviation of “Conformité Européenne” (European Conformity) and represents a manufacturer’s mark indicating that:

• The product is designed and manufactured in accordance with the health, safety, and other European Union directives relevant to that product.
• Appropriate conformity assessment has been carried out.

Why is the CE mark important for products on the European Union market?

The European Union market requires that products placed and put into circulation meet the essential safety and technical requirements.

Most consumer and industrial products falling under the New Approach directives must bear the CE mark.

By doing so, the manufacturer confirms that their product meets all the requirements given in the directives relating to that product, and that the conformity assessment procedure has been carried out.

What are the advantages of having a CE mark on a product?

• Enables the free movement of goods on the European Union market.

• Eliminates the need for additional national trials.

• Increases consumer confidence.

• Increases product competitiveness.

Which products must be affixed with the CE mark?

• All new products, manufactured in the EU or third countries.

• Second-hand (used) products imported from third countries.

• Products that are already on the European Union market, but have been significantly modified, so they can be considered new products.

What are the key steps in obtaining the CE mark?

• Identification of applicable directives: The manufacturer must determine which EU directives apply to his product.
• Conformity assessment: The product must be tested and assessed in accordance with the requirements of the applicable directives.
• Technical documentation: The manufacturer must prepare technical documentation that proves the conformity of the product.
• Declaration of Conformity: The manufacturer must issue a Declaration of Conformity, certifying that the product meets all applicable requirements.
• Placing the CE mark: After all the steps are completed, the manufacturer can affix the CE mark to the product.

What are the manufacturer’s responsibilities regarding the CE mark?

• The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that his product meets all applicable requirements.

• The manufacturer is responsible for the preparation and storage of technical documentation.

• The manufacturer is responsible for placing the CE mark on the product.

• The manufacturer is responsible for the declaration of conformity.

How are products with the CE mark monitored?

• National market surveillance authorities supervise products with the CE mark.

• They may perform inspections, tests and other checks to ensure that products meet requirements.

• In case it is determined that the product does not comply with the regulations, fines and traffic bans may be imposed.

What are the most common problems with the CE mark?

• Improper placement of the CE mark.

• Lack of technical documentation.

• Non-compliance of the product with the applicable directives.

• Counterfeit CE marks.

Where can I find additional information about the CE mark?

• On the official website of the European Commission..
• On the websites of national market surveillance authorities.
• At authorized certification bodies.

The CE mark is a key element for the free movement of goods on the European Union market. It is a guarantee that products meet high safety and quality standards.