"CE Marking?
The letters 'CE' on a product are the manufacturer's claim that the product meets the requirements of all relevant European Directives.
CE marking on a product:
Indicates to governments that the product can be legally sold within the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Area (EFTA)
Ensures the product can move freely throughout the European Single Market
Indicates to customers that the product meets designated minimum safety standards and therefore a minimum level of quality
Promotes public health and safety
Enhances product credibility
Leads to improved sales and greater customer satisfaction
CE marking is mandated by New Approach Directives. Many products are covered by these directives. To be placed on the market in the EU, it's a legal requirement that some must bear CE marking. CE marking is the manufacturer's claim that the product meets the essential requirements of all relevant European Directives."
STEP 1
Identify the Directive(s) that are applicable to your product. You can download these directives free of charge from the European Union website
STEP 2
Identify the conformity assessment procedure that must be taken. This could be self-declaration, involve testing, inspection or quality system assessment from a Notified Body or a combination of these. The conformity assessment procedure will differ depending on your product and the Directive in respect of which you will be CE marking.
STEP 3
Determine the dates by which you must take action. This will be the date that the Directive comes into force. The majority of directives are already in force. In these cases, it is an offence to place a product on the market without CE marking. because it indicates a presumption of conformity with all relevant Legislation.
STEP 4
Identify if there are any Harmonised European Standards applicable to your product. These are not always mandatory for manufacturers although there is a presumption that conformity to these standards will give conformity with the relevant part of the Directive. Whenever possible or appropriate, manufacturers should follow harmonised standards.
STEP 5
Ensure the product complies with all the essential requirements of the Directive(s). Take appropriate measures to comply or identify existing data and test reports.
STEP 6
Identify whether independent assessment of your conformity to the Directive, or some aspects of it, is required from a Notified Body. This will be stated in the directive and is dependent upon the product you are CE marking. You must not affix CE marking. to your product until all necessary certifications have been obtained from the Notified Body.
STEP 7
Maintain Technical Documentation required by the Directive(s). Your technical documentation should support your compliance with the requirements of the Directive. It is essential to retain this documentation.
STEP 8
Prepare the Declaration of Conformity and the required supporting evidence. The Declaration of Conformity along with the Technical Documentation should be available to Competent Authorities (EU Members) upon request.
STEP 9
Check that no other purely national requirements exist in the countries where the product will be sold. These may include national standards, labelling or packaging requirements.
STEP 10
Affix CE marking. on your product and/or its packaging and accompanying literature as stated in the directive."
