How Long Does CE Certification Take?

What does the CE Certification Directive mean?

The European Union (EU) has established various regulations (directives) for different products, such as children's toys, low voltage electrical equipment, personal protective equipment, medical devices, and more. These EU directives stipulate the basic quality and safety requirements for the corresponding products, as well as the procedures for placing them on the market and the conformity assessment processes.

How much does CE certification cost?

The cost of CE certification varies depending on the type of product and the applicable directive. For common electronic products, if the EMC Directive is applicable, the cost is approximately $400. If both the EMC and LVD Directives are applicable, the cost is around $700. For wireless electronic products, the cost depends on the wireless communication frequency band. Generally, wireless products undergo CE certification under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED), and the specific cost requires detailed wireless information from the customer for a precise quote. Additionally, for mechanical products, it is necessary to determine whether the machinery is ordinary or dangerous. The cost for ordinary machinery under the Machinery Directive (MD) is around $1500. Please note that these costs are for reference only; actual costs may vary depending on specific circumstances. It is recommended to contact a certification body or laboratory for an accurate quote. (Our laboratory in China offers such low costs).

How long does CE certification take?

The typical duration for CE certification is 5-7 working days, but the specific time frame depends on the product. If the product has a complex structure or requires numerous tests, the process may take longer. Furthermore, some directives, such as the Pressure Equipment Directive, Machinery Directive, and Medical Devices Directive, may involve longer testing and certification periods, potentially extending to several weeks or even months.

What are the main directives of CE certification?

CE certification signifies that a product complies with the standards and regulations of the European Economic Area (EEA) market. The CE mark is a self-declaration indicating that the product meets the regulatory requirements of the European Union (EU) or EEA countries. Products must comply with various directives and standards to obtain CE certification. Here are some common categories of CE certification and their associated directives:

1. CE-LVD Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU (Low Voltage Directive)

   - Applicable to low voltage electrical and electronic equipment.

   - Examples: Household appliances, IT products, AV products, electrically powered machinery.

2. CE-EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU (Electromagnetic Compatibility)

   - Applicable to products with circuit boards generating electromagnetic interference.

   - Examples: Household appliances, IT products, AV products, digital products.

3. CE-MD Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (Machinery Directive)

   - Applicable to various machinery ensuring safety.

   - Examples: Packaging machinery, injection molding machinery, woodworking machinery, construction machinery.

4. CE-PPE Personal Protective Equipment Directive 89/686/EEC (Personal Protective Equipment)

   - Applicable to protective equipment worn or carried by individuals.

   - Examples: Protective masks, earplugs, safety helmets.

5. CE-CPR Construction Products Regulation (EU) 305/2011 (Construction Products)

   - Applicable to construction materials.

   - Examples: Fire doors, protective walls, network cables.

6. CE-PED Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU (Pressure Equipment Directive)

   - Applicable to containers, pipelines, safety components, and pressure-related products with a maximum pressure above 0.5 bar.

   - Examples: Pressure valves.

7. CE-MDD Medical Devices Directive 93/42/EEC (Medical Devices Directive)

   - Applicable to general medical devices.

   - Examples: Electrocardiographs, medical masks, thermometers.

8. CE-EN71 Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC (Toy Safety Directive)

   - Applicable to toy products.

   - Examples: Plush toys, building blocks.

9. CE-ATEX Explosive Atmospheres Directive 94/9/EC (ATEX Directive)

   - Applicable to products used in explosive environments.

   - Examples: Explosion-proof lamps.

10. CE-RCD Recreational Craft Directive 94/25/EC (Recreational Craft)

    - Applicable to yacht products.

11. CE-LIFTS Lifts Directive 95/16/EC (Lifts Directive)

    - Applicable to lifts and related products.

    - Examples: Elevators, lifting platforms.

12. CE-RED Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (Radio Equipment Directive)

    - Applicable to radio equipment and telecom terminal equipment.

    - Examples: Bluetooth headsets, Bluetooth speakers, routers.

13. CE-MID Measuring Instruments Directive 2004/22/EC (Measuring Instruments Directive)

    - Applicable to measuring instruments.

    - Examples: Electronic scales, thermometers, laser measuring instruments.

14. CE-ErP Energy-related Products Directive 2009/125/EC (Energy-related Products Directive)

    - Applicable to energy-related products.

    - Examples: Energy-saving lamps, air conditioners, refrigerators.

15. CE-GPSD General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC (General Product Safety Directive)

    - Applicable to general products.

    - Examples: Outdoor bicycles, furniture, lighters.