CE Markings

From Buyers Manual

A CE Marking is a mandatory mark used for certain product groups sold in the European Economic Area. The mark shows that the products complies with EU legislation and enables free movement of products within the European market. The manufacturer of a product affixes the CE mark to it themselves which means that they have verified it and it conforms to all the legal requirements such as health, safety and environmental protection requirements.

The CE mark does not necessarily mean it was made in the European Economic area, it just shows that the product has demonstrates the basic requirements to be sold in this area. The manufacturer has to take the correct steps before a product can be given a CE marking.  If the manufacturer is from outside the EU the importer should check that all documentation is correct and the required steps have been followed. The documentation includes a Technical file to show a product’s compliance with essential requirements and assessment procedures. This must include a test report, design drawings and instructions for the product. Other documents to include are a declaration of conformity and sometimes a specific certificate from a Notified Body.

CE Markings do not give the user any information as it does not say anything about the quality of the product, the mark just shows its compliance with European Directives.

Sometimes this marking is misused and there are procedures in place to make sure that the CE mark is being used correctly. Citizens can contact national market surveillance authorities if they suspect the CE making is being used incorrectly.

There is no equivalent of the CE mark in the US, the certification depends on the type of product in question. One type of certification is UL (Underwriters Laboratories). There are many types of this mark, each with their own specific meaning.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CE_mark

http://uk.intertek-etlsemko.com/services/ce-mark/?gclid=CMWXt6P_kaoCFYpA4QodYiGAxA

http://www.cemarkit.co.uk/?gclid=CLHyncD_kaoCFcEd4Qod9k6yxg