CE Marking

CE marking is the manufacturer's legally binding statement that a product conforms to all the EU rules that apply to it. By affixing the CE mark, the manufacturer takes responsibility for the product's compliance and confirms it can be placed on the market anywhere in the European Economic Area.

The mark applies to defined product groups governed by EU "harmonisation" legislation — examples include toys, electronics and electrical equipment, machinery, personal protective equipment, medical devices, and radio equipment. Products outside these categories generally must not carry a CE mark, because the mark is meaningless and potentially misleading where no directive requires it.

CE marking is frequently confused with a quality seal, but it is not one. It does not indicate where a product was made, nor that it is high quality — it indicates that the product meets the mandatory legal requirements for safety and other essential characteristics in its category.

To CE mark a product, the manufacturer identifies which EU directives and regulations apply, ensures the product meets the essential requirements (often by following harmonised standards), and compiles technical documentation. They then draw up an EU Declaration of Conformity and affix the CE mark to the product or its packaging.

For lower-risk products, the manufacturer can self-assess conformity. For higher-risk categories — certain medical devices, some machinery, particular PPE — an independent notified body must be involved in the assessment before the mark can be applied. In all cases, the documentation must be kept available for market-surveillance authorities.

For sellers importing CE-marked goods into the EU, importers and distributors share responsibility for checking that the CE mark is present where required, that the Declaration of Conformity exists, and that the manufacturer and, where relevant, an EU importer or authorised representative are identified on the product.