CE Certification : European Compliance

What is CE Certification (European Compliance) ?

CE certification stands for European Conformity and represents a mandatory marking for certain products. This marking certifies that these products comply with European standards for safety, health and environmental protection. When manufacturers affix this marking to their products, this means that they comply with European Union (EU) regulations and can be sold without restriction in the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA).

It is important to note that CE marking is not a quality indicator. Rather, it indicates that the product has been evaluated, either by the manufacturer himself or by a certified body, proving that it meets the essential criteria of the European directives concerned. This marking is crucial for market surveillance authorities that use the CE to identify and dispose of non-compliant products. For consumers, the CE marking provides them with high protection and helps them make informed choices when shopping.

When should you consider CE Certification ?

CE certification is essential if you intend to market your product within the European Union or the European Economic Area. It applies to products covered by one of the 24 European directives which define the conformity criteria to be met.

These directives cover a wide range of product categories, including electrical equipment, toys, measuring instruments, medical devices, machinery, construction products, and personal protective equipment. To find out if your product is covered by a European directive, you can consult the official list or contact a notified body.

If your product does not fall under a European directive, the CE marking is not mandatory. However, it remains imperative to comply with the national laws of the European Union countries where you wish to sell your product. Some states may require compliance certifications or specific approvals for certain types of products.

It is therefore crucial that you inform the competent authorities of each country concerned before launching your product on the market.

Why is CE certification important for the environment ?

CE certification plays a crucial role in environmental protection. It ensures that the products comply with European standards dedicated to the preservation of the ecosystem. These standards target the reduction of harmful effects on various aspects such as air, water, soil, biodiversity, climate and human health. When a manufacturer obtains this certification, it undertakes to limit environmental risks from the design of the product, during its manufacture, its use and until its disposal.

In addition, CE certification is a pillar of the circular economy, an economic approach that encourages the reuse, recycling and recovery of resources. To be certified, products must meet ecodesign criteria aimed at maximizing their environmental performance over their entire life cycle. This includes ease of repair, disassembly, recycling of products, as well as reducing their energy consumption and use of raw materials.

Thus, CE certification proves to be an effective tool to reduce the ecological impact of products and encourage responsible and sustainable consumption. It provides a competitive advantage to manufacturers by meeting the growing expectations of environmentally conscious consumers. In addition, it helps consumers make informed choices while ensuring high environmental protection.

What are the criteria for obtaining CE certification ?

To obtain CE certification, it is imperative to meet the following criteria :

Identify the applicable guideline(s) for your product

Make sure that your product is covered by one or more of the 24 European directives establishing the necessary compliance criteria. The official list is available for consultation, or you can request the assistance of a notified body.

Meet the essential requirements of each directive

It is crucial that your product meets all the essential requirements of the relevant directives, which relate to aspects such as safety, health and environmental protection. For this, the harmonized European standards, recognized by the European Commission as technical references, can guide you.

Assess the conformity of your product

It is necessary to determine whether the conformity assessment of your product can be carried out by you or whether the intervention of a notified body is necessary. This provision depends on the regulations specific to your product. In the event that a notified body is required, you will need to present the technical documentation of your product to obtain a certificate of conformity. If you are able to perform the evaluation yourself, you will need to analyze and communicate the potential risks associated with using your product.

Create a technical file and write a declaration of conformity

The creation of a technical file attesting to the conformity of your product to the requirements is essential. This package should include information on the design, manufacture, tests performed, and standards applied to your product. In addition, the drafting and signing of a declaration of conformity, confirming compliance with European standards and mentioning relevant directives and standards, is required.

Affix the CE marking to your product

It is essential to display the CE marking on your product so that it is easily visible, clear and permanent. In case your product has received certification from a notified body, it is also necessary to mention the identification number of that body in the vicinity of the CE marking. It is important to follow the specific guidelines regarding the size, color, and location of the CE marking.

What are the benefits of CE certification for companies ?

Obtaining CE certification offers valuable benefits to companies wishing to distribute their products in Europe. Let’s look at the main benefits :

Access a market of more than 500 million consumers

The CE marking allows products to be marketed without constraints in the 27 countries of the European Union (EU) as well as in the 4 nations of the European Economic Area (EEA). In doing so, companies gain access to a vast market of more than 500 million consumers, without being limited by specific national regulations or additional tariffs.

Strengthen the company’s competitiveness and credibility

CE certification is a guarantee that the company meets high standards in terms of quality, safety and environmental protection. This level of requirement allows companies to stand out from the competition and build trust with customers, partners, and regulatory authorities. It also represents a significant advantage to compete in calls for tenders, particularly in specialized fields such as health, energy, or transport.

Improve business performance and innovation

The adoption of the standards imposed by CE certification encourages companies to constantly improve their processes, products and services. This approach of excellence contributes to increase their productivity, efficiency and profitability. In addition, CE certification stimulates innovation and the development of new products aligned with the expectations of European consumers.

Which countries recognize CE certification ?

The EC certification is recognised throughout the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes the 27 Member States of the European Union (EU), in addition to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. These nations share a common set of standards and regulations, offering free movement of CE marked products.

Switzerland and Turkey

Despite not being part of the EEA, Switzerland and Turkey have bilateral agreements with the EU, allowing them to recognise the CE marking for certain product categories. Switzerland allows this marking for products covered by specific agreements with the EU, such as medical devices and pressure equipment. Turkey, for its part, requires CE marking for a wide variety of products, in accordance with harmonised EU regulations, including toys and electrical equipment.

Other countries

For countries outside the EEA, Switzerland and Turkey, there is no formal obligation to recognise CE certification. Nevertheless, CE marking is often used as an indicator of compliance with international standards or as a criterion for entry into the market. Countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East can accept products with CE marking in categories such as electronics, medical devices, and personal protective equipment.

It is recommended to check with competent bodies or local authorities before exporting CE certified products to these regions.

Who can issue a CE certification ?

There are two ways to obtain CE certification: either directly by the manufacturer or through a notified body. The appropriate method depends primarily on the type of product and current legislative requirements.

The manufacturer has the option to self-certify for the EC if his product is not subject to a mandatory third-party evaluation. This process requires the manufacturer to carry out a self-assessment to ensure that its product complies with the essential criteria of the European directives. He must also prepare a complete technical file, write a declaration of conformity, and affix the CE marking on the product.

A notified body, designated by a European Union country and operating independently, intervenes when the assessment by a third party is required. These entities are authorised to carry out tests, inspections or audits to certify the conformity of a product to European standards. After obtaining their certification, the manufacturer can then mark his product with the CE seal, adding the identification number of the body that issued the certification.

The complete list of notified bodies for each European directive is available on the Nando database.