CE certificate

The mandatory marking within the EU

All products introduced to the European market must comply with various laws and regulations. To demonstrate that a product meets the required regulations, almost all products must bear a CE marking. CE stands for Conformité Européenne.

Self-declaration or Notified Body?

The term "CE certificate" is often used, but a "certificate" is not actually required for a marking of CE, except for high-risk products such as elevators, medical equipment, or certain toys. In these cases, a CE issued by a Notified Body is necessary. This is identified by the number following the mark of CE. For other products, a self-declaration from the manufacturer is required to apply a CE marking.

Preparing a CE report

For high-risk products, a CE test conducted by an accredited body is mandatory. In other cases, a manufacturer can draft a declaration containing the necessary information such as a risk analysis and a technical dossier. This process is time-consuming and requires specific knowledge and testing facilities. Many manufacturers outsource this process to a third party, regardless of whether the product is high-risk. DEKRA is an accredited body you can engage to prepare test reports that will be part of a technical dossier for your CE declaration.

Importance of CE certificate

A CE certificate is crucial for product safety. It ensures compliance with regulations. CE marking is the minimum legal requirement that manufacturers must meet for laws and regulations within Europe. What is especially important for CE is the test reports: which reports are included and who prepared them?

Is CE testing mandatory?

A marking of CE is mandatory for almost all products intended for the European market. For some product groups, a mark of CE issued by a Notified Body is required. The guidelines for these product groups are set by the EU. Product groups that must comply with these guidelines include:

Construction products
Electronic equipment
Transportation means
Medical devices
Electrical toys
Personal protective equipment
Measuring instruments

Even if the product is manufactured outside the EU, the importer, distributor, or any party within the sales chain must ensure the product meets CE requirements and include this in the CE compliance dossier.

Step-by-step plan for applying a CE marking

Determine which EU directives apply to your product.

Check the requirements applicable to your product.

Check if your product needs to be assessed by a Notified Body. This is a testing body designated by the government for product inspection. This is not always necessary. In some cases, you may test and mark the product yourself.

If your product does not need to go through a Notified Body, you can choose to test the product yourself or have it tested by a certifying body like DEKRA, for example, if you do not have the knowledge or means to conduct the testing yourself.

Prepare technical documentation. This documentation must demonstrate that your product meets the requirements. You make this information available to market supervisors.

Affix the CE marking to your product. The marking must be visible, legible, and indelible. Was a Notified Body involved in obtaining your CE certificate? If so, include their four-digit identification number with the marking.

Prepare a 'Declaration of Conformity.' This declares your responsibility as the manufacturer for the conformity of your product. You declare that your product meets CE guidelines.

DEKRA for your CE certificate

Do you need to have your CE certificate carried out by an independent body, or do you want to know if your products comply with CE guidelines? DEKRA is here for you. We test your product so that you can provide it with the marking of CE. Want to know more about a CE certificate? Feel free to contact one of our experts.

DEKRA blogs about CE

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Nov 14, 2024 Digital & Product Solutions / Testing and certification of products

CE marking

A CE mark shows that the products have been tested according to CE marking guidelines and meet all safety requirements applicable within EU legislation.

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