CE marking
Everything about the CE marking
Many product groups that come onto the market in the European Union must bear a CE marking. A CE marking shows that the products have been tested in accordance with the CE marking guidelines and meet all safety requirements applicable under EU legislation. The exact safety requirements that a product must meet depend on the type of product and the corresponding EU specifications. DEKRA has many years of experience in testing electrical products for various requirements.
What is a CE marking?
The CE marking is, as the name suggests, not a certificate but a marking. It indicates that a product complies with the essential health, safety, and environmental requirements applicable within the EEA, the European Economic Area. The EEA includes the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. The CE marking is mandatory on many products traded within the EEA. Failure to affix the CE marking has legal consequences.
So the purpose of the CE marking is to promote the free movement of goods within the EEA. In addition, the CE marking also contributes to the harmonization of product safety and health legislation within the EEA countries.
CE marking tested by DEKRA
DEKRA tests your electrical products against CE requirements. This includes CE marking for machines, but also CE on household appliances, lighting, batteries, charging stations, sockets, and cables. DEKRA has been a Notified Body for over 25 years, and our
CE quality marks
can be recognized by the number 0344 following the CE logo.
What are the CE marking guidelines?
1. LVD (Low Voltage Directive) 2014/35/EU
The
Low Voltage Directive
covers health and safety risks associated with electrical equipment with a voltage of 50 to 1000 volts for alternating current and 75 to 1500 volts for direct current.
2. EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) 2014/30/EU
3. RoHS/REACH (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) 2015/863 and 1907/2006/EU
4. ErP (Energy-Related Products) 2009/125/EC
5. RED (Radio Equipment Directive)
Who is responsible for CE testing?
In most cases, the responsibility for ensuring that a product complies with the requirements of the CE marking lies entirely with the manufacturer. You must assess the products and report the test results. You then draw up the EU declaration of conformity and sign it. The final step is to affix the CE marking to your product yourself.
National authorities conduct random checks to ensure that manufacturers have assessed their products correctly. Not every manufacturer has the knowledge or resources to carry out tests themselves. To ensure that your product meets all the requirements, you can call on DEKRA to carry out the product tests.
When is a CE marking not enough?
A CE marking is generally only valid within the EEA (European Economic Area). Other countries have their own certification requirements. These may differ from the requirements for CE marking. However, some countries outside the EEA may adopt European standards and directives or refer to them in their own regulations. This may mean that products that are already CE marked can more easily access these markets.
Would you like to enter markets outside the EEA with your product? Then make use of our
Global Market Access Services
. DEKRA's experts are familiar with local laws and regulations in markets around the world. With our extensive testing facilities, we can provide your products with the right test reports.
In addition, a CE marking is not sufficient for some products, such as certain medical devices. These are subject to additional safety requirements. These products do not have a CE marking, but require a
CE certificate
in order to be placed on the market. You must then engage an independent and authorized party to assess your products. This party is a notified body. DEKRA Certification B.V. is a notified body authorized to issue CE certificates.
Questions about CE marking?
Do you have any questions about having your products tested? Or are you curious about the possibilities DEKRA can offer you? Feel free to contact one of our experts. We are happy to support you throughout the entire process.
Do you want certainty about your CE mark and confidence that your products comply with the guidelines? Discover how an independent body such as DEKRA can help you with this.
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