How to get CE Certification

How to get CE certification?

You can apply directly through notified bodies to obtain CE certification. The notified bodies will charge testing and certification fees; generally, testing fees are relatively high and the process can be lengthy. If you want to save on CE certification costs, you can choose us for testing. We are a Chinese testing laboratory recognized by notified bodies, and our testing fees are 30% lower than other laboratories. This can help you save 30% of the costs.

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Why do CE certification?

For product manufacturers, if they want to sell products in the European Economic Area (EEA), they must affix the CE mark on their products. Once CE certification is obtained, manufacturers can claim that their products comply with EEA laws and are allowed to be sold within the EEA. Companies from non-EEA countries can also obtain CE certification to sell their products in the European Union. Therefore, although it is a mandatory certification, it can also be understood as providing all companies with an opportunity for fair competition within the same legal framework.

Many small and medium-sized enterprises are troubled by receiving orders from European countries but cannot fulfill them smoothly due to the lack of corresponding product safety certifications. Or when the products arrive at their destination, they are detained by customs because they cannot provide the necessary product safety certification documents, resulting in significant losses.

In addition to the above information, are there any other benefits or aspects of CE certification that we are not aware of? Let me explain:

What is CE certification?

It is a mandatory requirement for products under EU law.

CE stands for Conformity European or Conformité Européenne, which means European Community. CE certification is a mandatory certification requirement by the EU for products sold within member states, representing compliance with a series of standards related to safety, health, environmental protection, etc. The CE mark is a safety symbol and serves as a passport for manufacturers to enter the European market. Products with the "CE" mark indicate compliance with the requirements of relevant EU laws and can be sold within the member states without the need to meet individual member states' requirements, thereby achieving the free circulation of goods within the EU member states.

Scope of CE certification

It covers 32 economic zones in Europe, including 27 EU member states, and 4 non-EU member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Please note!

1. EFTA includes four member states including Switzerland, but the CE mark is not mandatory within Switzerland;

2. In some countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, CE certification may also be accepted;

3. After Brexit, the UK adopts the UKCA certification, with the transition period ending on December 31, 2021. During the transition period, CE certification (corresponding to UKCA standards unchanged) remains valid. Given the impact of the pandemic, it has been extended to December 31, 2022. Therefore, today, the UK is no longer part of the European CE certification sequence! Remember this!

What are the advantages of products with CE marking?

1. EU laws and regulations are not only numerous but also complex in content, so it is a wise choice to seek assistance from suitable organizations, which saves time, effort, and reduces risks;

2. Obtaining a CE certificate from a relevant organization can maximize consumer and market supervision authority's trust;

3. It can effectively prevent the occurrence of some irresponsible accusations;

4. In the event of litigation, CE certification certificates from EU-designated bodies will become legally effective technical evidence; once penalized by EU member states, certification bodies will share risks with companies, thereby reducing the company's risk.

Which products need CE certification?

Products falling within the scope of the NLF 22 directives.

The NLF refers to the European Union's New Legislative Framework, which aims to strengthen regulations for market surveillance frameworks and accreditation systems for products. In addition to unifying definitions related to the concepts of the original New Approach Directives system, it specifies national accreditation bodies and accreditation systems, the EU market surveillance framework, product market access control, general rules for the use of marks, and EU funding.

The NLF currently includes the following directives:

1. Toy Safety - Directive 2009/48/EU;

2. Mobile Pressure Equipment - Directive 2010/35/EU;

3. Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment - Directive 2011/65/EU;

4. Construction Products - Regulation (EU) No 305/2011;

5. Pyrotechnic Articles - Directive 2013/29/EU;

6. Recreational Craft and Personal Watercraft - Directive 2013/53/EU;

7. Explosives for Civil Use - Directive 2014/28/EU;

8. Simple Pressure Vessels - Directive 2014/29/EU;

9. Electromagnetic Compatibility - Directive 2014/30/EU;

10. Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments - Directive 2014/31/EU;

11. Measuring Instruments - Directive 2014/32/EU;

12. Lifts - Directive 2014/33/EU;

13. Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres - Directive 2014/34/EU;

14. Radio Equipment - Directive 2014/53/EU;

15. Low Voltage - Directive 2014/35/EU;

16. Pressure Equipment - Directive 2014/68/EU;

17. Marine Equipment - Directive 2014/90/EU;

18. Cableway Installations - Regulation (EU) 2016/424;

19. Personal Protective Equipment - Regulation (EU) 2016/425;

20. Gas Appliances - Regulation (EU) 2016/426;

21. Medical Devices - Regulation (EU) 2017/745;

22. In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices - Regulation (EU) 2017/746;

Generally, any product exported to the EU requires CE certification, especially electronic products and toys exported to Europe. For example:

- Power products: communication power supplies, chargers, monitor power supplies;

- Lighting products: pendant lights, track lights, courtyard lights, portable lights, spotlights, light strings, desk lamps;

- Home appliances: fans, electric kettles, speakers, televisions, mice, vacuum cleaners, etc.;

- Electronics: earphones, routers, mobile phone batteries, laser pointers;

- Communication product categories: telephones, fax machines, data machines, data interface cards, and other communication products;

- Wireless product categories: Bluetooth BT products, wireless keyboards, wireless mice, remote controls, wireless network devices;

- Wireless communication category: mobile phones;

- Mechanical categories: gasoline engines, welding machines, CNC drilling machines, tool grinders, lawn mowers, washing equipment, bulldozers, drilling machines, dishwashers, mowers, snow blowers, excavators, printing machines, printers, cutting machines, road rollers;

- Medical devices and toy categories, etc.

If you have any questions or are unsure if your product requires CE certification, feel free to contact us~ (chen18814186731@gmail.com)

When can the CE mark be affixed?

Products falling within the scope of the NLF 22 directives and most products falling within the New Approach directives can affix the CE mark after meeting the following conditions:

- Complying with all applicable directives;

- Meeting all applicable harmonized standards for each directive;

- Having test reports and CoC certificates ready for inspection at any time;

- Having a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) document.

Technical documents required for CE certification preparation:

1. Product manual

2. Product differentiation explanation (for multiple models within the same series)

3. Mechanical structure diagram (product assembly diagram)

4. Product circuit diagram (electrical schematic diagram, wiring diagram)

5. Product nameplate

6. List of main components and corresponding certificates

7. Product manual

8. ISO9000 system certificate (if any)

The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is a document issued by the importer or manufacturer, used to prove compliance with EU government agencies, retailers, and end consumers. It should include the following information:

1. Product name, type, and code

2. Name and address of the manufacturer/importer

3. List of EN standards or directives

4. Signature, address, and name of the responsible person

5. Compliance with EU harmonized standards

6. If there is involvement of notified bodies, provide the name and code of the notified body.

7. Some directives require additional colored product photos and information about the signatory within the Declaration of Conformity.

Most Commonly Involved Directives

1. Machinery CE Certification (MD)

Directive 2006/42/EC on machinery covers both general machinery and hazardous machinery.

2. Low Voltage CE Certification (LVD)

The LVD applies to all electrical products operating within voltage ranges of AC 50-1000V and DC 75-1500V. This definition refers to the scope of the directive, rather than limitations of its application (for example, dangers posed by DC 12V circuits in appliances using AC 230V are also covered by the LVD).

3. Electromagnetic Compatibility CE Certification (EMC)

The International Electrotechnical Commission's standard defines EMC as the ability of a system or device to operate properly within its electromagnetic environment without causing interference to other systems and devices.

4. Medical Device CE Certification (MDD/MDR)

The medical device directive applies broadly, covering almost all medical devices except active implantable and in vitro diagnostic devices. This includes passive medical devices (dressings, single-use products, contact lenses, blood bags, catheters, etc.) and active medical devices (MRI machines, ultrasound diagnostic and therapeutic devices, infusion pumps, etc.).

5. Personal Protective Equipment CE Certification (PPE)

PPE stands for personal protective equipment, referring to any device or apparatus worn or used by individuals to protect against one or more hazards to health and safety.

6. Toy Safety CE Certification (TOYS)

Toys are products designed or intended for use by children under 14 years old.

7. Radio Equipment Directive (RED)

The RED covers wireless communication and radio identification devices (such as RFID, radar, motion detectors, etc.).

8. Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS)

This directive primarily restricts the use of ten harmful substances in electronic and electrical products.

9. Chemicals Directive (REACH)

REACH is the European Union regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals, established by the EU and implemented from June 1, 2007.

What are the consequences of not having CE certification?

The CE mark covers 80% of industrial and consumer goods in the European market and 70% of EU imports. According to EU regulations, CE certification is mandatory, similar to China's CCC certification. Exporting products to the EU without CE certification is considered illegal and can lead to severe consequences, including:

1. Customs refusal;

2. Detention and confiscation;

3. High fines;

4. Market withdrawal and recall of all products in use;

5. Criminal liability;

6. Notification across the EU.

Is testing report necessary?

The requirement for testing reports varies depending on the product. While most products do not require laboratory testing, it is indeed the only way to verify compliance. Cross-border e-commerce sellers should be particularly cautious as EU customs authorities and national market surveillance authorities often require manufacturers to provide testing reports to verify compliance.

It is essential to determine whether CE certification is required for products exported to Europe, which certification directives are necessary, register European Authorized Representatives (EAR), correctly label products with the CE mark and EAR information to ensure compliance with EU laws and regulations.

Use of the CE Mark

As per the requirements of the new directives, products requiring the CE mark must affix it before being placed on the EU market. Affixing the CE mark signifies that the product meets all necessary requirements related to the CE mark as stipulated by the EU, allowing free circulation in the EU market.

The CE mark is not issued by any official authority, certification body, or laboratory but is self-produced and affixed by the manufacturer or its authorized representative. When a product falls under two or more directive requirements, it must meet all directive requirements before affixing the CE mark.

Requirements for Affixing the CE Mark

- The CE mark must be affixed on the product's data plate. However, depending on the nature of the product, not all products can affix the mark on packaging. If the directives specify additional requirements for the CE mark, they must be followed accordingly.

- If resizing the CE mark is necessary, it must be done according to the specified scale.

- The vertical dimensions of all parts of the CE mark must be essentially the same and not less than 5mm.

- The CE mark must be clear and not easily erased.

- The CE mark must be printed in a prominent position on the data plate and packaging, with a height not less than 5mm and scaled proportionally. In addition to the product itself, when exporting to Europe, the manufacturer must sign a Declaration of Conformity (DOC) stating that their product complies with EU requirements.

How long is the CE certificate valid?

1. CE certification certificates generally have a validity period of 5 years. However, if the standards or directives being executed undergo revision, upgrade, or updates, the products may need to be reevaluated and undergo additional testing as necessary. In such cases, reapplication for CE certification may be required.

2. If the certificate reaches its 5-year validity period, but the manufacturing processes, suppliers, or product specifications remain unchanged and are accepted by customers, the CE certificate can still be used.

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