For any manufacturer, the prospect
of tapping the European market holds countless opportunities. After all the
European Union is the world’s second largest economy, having a population of 512
million in the 27 countries.
However, to access the market – or
in fact any international market for that matter, a manufacturer needs to
conform to certain directives and standards that make the to-be-introduced
product in compliance with the market’s established safety requirements.
In case of the European Union (EU),
the compliance to these directives and standards are advocated in the form of
CE marking.
What is CE Marking?
Simply put, CE
marking is a mandatory approval to sell a product in the EU, certifying that
the approved product meets the EU directives in regards to consumer safety and
health, and environmental regulations.
It’s your product’s
passport to Europe.
Without a CE mark, you cannot legally sell your product in the EU.
The Affixed
Product – Does It Have To Be Produced
in the EU?
No, it’s not necessary. The CE
mark does not communicate anything about the product’s origin and neither
is the certification based on which country the product has been manufactured
in. As long as the product conforms to the EU market standards, it qualifies
for the CE marking process.
What About the Countries that are Part of the
EFTA?
EFTA region is part of Europe that includes Norway, Iceland,
Switzerland and Liechtenstein. To sell your product in the EFTA region, you
need the CE marking.
Which Industrial Products Qualify the Need to
Have a CE Marking, Before They Can Be Legally Sold in Europe?
Following is the complete list of
industrial products that need to be CE marked, before they can be sold in Europe:
- Appliances that operate on gaseous fuels.
- Cableway installation designs, such as a passenger lift.
- Any electrical equipment that run on low voltage.
- Any product used in construction, engineering or civil works.
- Products used in potentially explosive atmospheres.
- Industrial machinery.
- Medical devices.
- Radio and telecommunication terminal equipment.
- Protective gear.
- Recreational crafts
- Pressure vessels
- Toys.
Can CE Marking Be Combined With Other
Certification Schemes?
Yes, but only if other marks are
not liable to cause confusion with the CE marking.
What’s the Process for Applying for CE Marking Certification Scheme?
To apply for a CE marking
certification scheme, you need to follow these 6 steps:
- First, identify the EU directives set for your class of product. Different classes of products have different requirements to fulfill.
- Next, check whether your product conforms to the requirements established in the first step.
- Third, determine if your product needs to be tested by a notified body.
- Get your product tested and validated by an independent body.
- Compile a dossier that contains all the technical information and data about your product.
- Get your product affixed.
Do you have any more questions
about CE marking, or need the help of professional certification services that
can get your product CE certified as quickly as possible?
G&M Compliance can help. We
resource a team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals who specialize
in handling the CE marking process. Assisting you right from the very first
step of the process to following the process till the very last step, we can
get your product out in the European market in no time. Contact us for a quote.