The CE mark is a mandatory European marking for certain product groups to indicate conformity with the essential health and safety requirements set out in European Directives. The letters ‘CE’ are an abbreviation of Conformity European, French word for European conformity. The CE mark must be affixed to a product if it falls under the scope of ‘New Approach’ Directives of European union.
Without the CE marking, and thus without complying with the provisions of the Directives, the product may not be placed in the market or put into service in the fifteen member states of the European Union and Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. However, if the product meets the provisions of the applicable European Directives, and the CE mark is affixed to the product, these countries may not prohibit, restrict or impede the placing in the market or putting into service of the product.
Since 1985, the CE marking has been used to indicate that a manufacturer or importer claims compliance with the relevant EU legislation applicable to a product, regardless of where it was manufactured. By affixing the CE marking on a product, manufacturers are declaring, at their sole responsibility, that the product meets all of the legal requirements for CE marking, which allows free movement and sale of the product throughout the European Economic Area.
Most electrical products must comply with the Low Voltage Directive and the EMC Directive; toys must comply with the Toy Safety Directive. The marking does not indicate EEA manufacture or that a product has been approved as safe by the EU or by another authority. The EU requirements may include safety, health, and environmental protection, and, if stipulated in any EU product legislation, assessment by a Notified Body or manufacture according to a certified production quality system.
The CE marking also indicates compliance with directives related to 'Electro Magnetic Compatibility'. This means that the device will work as intended, without interfering with the use or function of any other device.Not all products need CE marking to be traded in the European Economic Area; only product categories subject to relevant directives or regulations are required (and allowed) to bear CE marking. Most CE-marked products can be placed on the market subject only to an internal production control by the manufacturer (Module A; see Self-certification, below), with no independent check of the conformity of the product with EU legislation. ANEC has cautioned that, amongst other things, CE marking cannot be considered a 'safety mark' for consumers.
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