Checklist for arranging CE marking

What is CE marking?

CE marking is an abbreviation of Conformité Européenne marking. With a CE mark the manufacturer declares that a product complies with the product legislation of the European Union (EU). It makes no difference if the products are made inside or outside the EEA. When products are imported from outside the EEA, the importer has to check if the right CE marking has been rightfully used. Putting the wrong CE marking on a product, or placing it when the product does not comply with the product safety rules is a punishable offence.

Step 1: Check the EU list of product groups

As a manufacturer, you must first check which EU rules apply to your product(s). The European Commission has a list of product groups that require CE marking. Each product group has its own directive, a set of rules for safety and quality. In some cases, more than one directive applies to the same product group. For example, electrical and electronic products fall under the low voltage, EMC and RoHS Directive.

Step 2: Design and manufacture your product

You design and manufacture your product according to the standards and guidelines that apply to your product.

If your product consists of different parts, the product may fall under more than 1 product group. For example, a toy that has a battery comes under both the requirements for toys and the requirements for electrical appliances.

Read about what else you must do as manufacturer.

Step 3. Test the product and check its conformity

As manufacturer, you are responsible for testing your products and checking that they meet the essential EU requirements from the applicable directive. This is called conformity. An important part of this procedure is the risk assessment.

If you are not certain of the outcome of your risk assessment, you can have an independent conformity assessment body do the assessment and check the conformity. In that case, the identification number of this conformity assessment body must be indicated on the CE marking.

Step 4: Draw up the required technical documentation

You must create a technical file that contains all important information about the product. Make the documentation available to market surveillance authorities in case of a request. In the technical documentation you include drawings, specifications, test reports, inspection certificates, manuals and a Declaration of Conformity. Keep in mind that the requirements may differ per product group directive.

You must also draw up and sign the EU Declaration of Conformity. By doing so, you take responsibility for the conformity of your products. You must include the Declaration of Conformity in your technical documentation.

Manuals must be written in the language(s) of the country in which the product is sold or consumed. The manual provides users with instructions on how to use of the product, particularly in potentially dangerous situations. Inform users of the inevitable risks when they make changes to the design, or if they use it in the wrong way. The manual’s language and content demands may differ per product group directive.

Step 5: Put the CE marking on your product

As a manufacturer, you can put the CE marking on the product only if you have followed the rules from the directive. You must ensure that the CE marking is put on the product visibly, legibly and cannot be erased.

What if you are not a manufacturer?

The European Commission provides manufacturers, importers, distributors and consumers with information on CE marking. Here, you can also find out which organisations can help you provide the correct CE marking per country.