CE Marking

CE Marking represents the letters "CE" and is the abbreviation for "European Conformity" as translated from the French phrase "Conformité Européene". The original "EC Mark" term was officially replaced with "CE Marking" by Directive 93/68/EEC in 1993. "CE Marking" is now used in all official EU documents. "CE Mark" while in use, is not the official term.

1. CE Marking is a manufacturer's declaration that a product complies with essential requirements of the relevant European health, safety and environmental protection legislation, in practice by many of the so-called Product Directives.
• Product Directives contains the essential requirements, performance levels and Harmonized Standards to which the products must conform. Harmonized Standards are the technical specifications established by multiple European standards agencies (CEN, CENELEC, etc).
2. CE Marking indicates that governmental officials may legally place the product on the market in their country.
3. CE Marking permits the withdrawal of non-conforming products by EEA customs and law enforcement authorities.
4. CE Marking ensures free movement of products within the EFTA & EU single market.

General Principles of the CE Marking

1. CE marking can only be affixed by the manufacturer or authorized representative provided for by specific Community harmonization legislation, and shall not be affixed to any other product.
2. By affixing CE Marking, the manufacturer takes responsibility for the conformity of the product with all applicable requirements set out in the relevant Community harmonization legislation providing therefor.
3. CE marking shall be the only marking which attests the conformity of the product with the applicable requirements of the relevant Community harmonization legislation providing for its affixing.
4. Affixing product with markings, signs or inscriptions likely to mislead third parties regarding the meaning or form of the CE marking are prohibited. Any other marking may be affixed to the product provided that the visibility, legibility and meaning of the CE marking remains clear.
5. Member States shall ensure correct implementation of regime governing the CE marking and act appropriately in the event of improper use. Member States shall also provide penalties for infringements, which may include criminal sanctions for serious infringements. Penalties shall be proportionate to seriousness of offense to constitute effective deterrence against improper use.