What CE really is
CE marking shows that a product meets the requirements of the EU legislation that applies to it, for example rules for toys, electrical equipment, machinery or radio equipment. Not every product needs it: a wooden cutting board, for instance, falls under food-contact rules instead.
The paperwork behind the mark
A CE mark without documents is worthless. Behind it there should be a technical file with test reports, and an EU Declaration of Conformity that lists the directives and standards applied. As an importer, you must be able to show these to authorities.
- Identify the EU legislation that applies to the product.
- Test against the relevant harmonised standards.
- Compile the technical file and test reports.
- Sign the EU Declaration of Conformity.
- Affix the CE mark and the importer's details on the product or packaging.
Notified bodies and self-declaration
For many products the manufacturer can assess conformity itself, based on test reports. Higher-risk products, such as some machinery or medical devices, need an independent notified body. Be wary of 'CE certificates' sold cheaply online: they are often not recognised.
UKCA and Great Britain
Great Britain introduced the UKCA mark after leaving the EU, and the UK government has extended recognition of CE marking for many product categories. The rules have changed several times, so confirm the current requirement for your product before you print packaging.
The technical file, in practice
The technical file is the evidence behind the mark: product description, drawings, risk assessment, the list of standards applied, test reports, user instructions and the declaration of conformity. It must be kept for years after the product is placed on the market and be available to authorities on request.
Common mistakes
The most frequent problems are a mark printed without any testing, a declaration that lists the wrong directives, missing importer details on the product or packaging, and instructions that are not translated into the language of the market. Each of these can stop goods at the border or on a marketplace.
