CE certificate of approval: a step-by-step plan

Oct 17, 2023Digital & Product Solutions / Testing and certification of products

What is a CE marking exactly?

Products which are sold in the European Union must meet a number of requirements when it comes to safety, performance and quality. For most products, a CE marking shows that they meet the current regulations. This blog explains CE marking in more detail. Officially speaking, it’s not a certificate but a marking, so since the two terms are frequently used interchangeably, we’ve chosen to do the same here. We will explain what a CE marking entails and what its purpose is. We’ll also provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a CE marking for your product.

It’s more than likely you’ve seen products with the CE logo at one time or another. Just take a look at your telephone or laptop. You can’t fail to see it. The European Union has stipulated that without this marking, such products will not be allowed onto the market. CE stands for Conformité Européenne. Product groups have been established for which a CE marking is required. These include:

electrical and electronic devices
electric toys
electric machines and components
medical devices
personal protective equipment
etc.

The purpose of a CE certificate

The CE marking stimulates the free trade of goods in the European Economic Area (EEA). All EU member states are part of this zone, plus Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland. In addition to this, CE ensures that the national requirements for products also have European-wide alignment. If your products have a CE marking, this means, by and large, that they can be traded freely throughout the EEA. Does your product not meet the CE guidelines? If this is the case, you are not permitted to sell it.

Step-by-step plan for obtaining a CE marking

Step 1: Find out which EU guidelines apply in respect of your product.
Step 2: Check the current requirements for your product.
Step 3: Check whether your product needs to be assessed by a ‘notified body’. This is a test institute which has been designated by the statutory authorities to test and certify products. This will not always be necessary. In some cases, you can test and affix the marking yourself.
Step 4: Is testing of your product by a notified body not necessary? If this is the case, you can either choose to test the product yourself, or have it tested by a certifying institute, such as DEKRA. This might happen for example, if you do not have the in-house expertise or resources to do the testing yourself.
Step 5: Put together technical documentation. This must show that your product meets the requirements. The information should be made available to the regulatory authorities responsible for that market.
Step 6: Affix the CE marking to your product. The CE marking you affix must be visible, legible and indelible. Was a notified body involved when you obtained your CE certificate? If so, you should specify their 4-digit identification number with the marking.
Step 7: Draw up a ‘Declaration of Conformity’. This will demonstrate that, as manufacturer, you have assumed responsibility for your product’s conformity. This declaration states that your product meets the CE guidelines.

DEKRA for your CE certificate

Do you wish to obtain a CE certificate for your product? Or would you like to know whether your products conform to the CE guidelines? At DEKRA we can help you do this. We test your product so that afterwards you can provide it with the CE marking. At DEKRA we have the in-house expertise and the test facilities to test a multitude of different products. Even more importantly, you will be able to put a safe product onto the market. We are more than happy to play our part in this process. Read more here about product certification and certifications & quality marks for products.

Do you have a question? Get in touch with one of our experts

DEKRA Product Testing

DEKRA Certification B.V

Meander 1051

6825 MJ Arnhem

+31 88 968 3560
sales.nl@dekra.com