General principles of the CE marking

1. Only the manufacturer or his authorised representative shall affix the CE marking.
2. The CE marking shall be affixed only to products to which its affixing is provided for by specific Community harmonization legislation, and shall not be affixed to any other product.
3. By affixing or having affixed the CE marking, the manufacturer indicates that he takes responsibility for the conformity of the product with all applicable requirements set out in the relevant Community harmonisation legislation providing for its affixing.
4. The 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.
5.The affixing to a product of markings, signs or inscriptions which are likely to mislead third parties regarding the meaning or form of the CE marking shall be prohibited. Any other marking may be affixed to the product provided that the visibility, legibility and meaning of the CE marking is not thereby impaired.
6. Member States shall ensure the correct implementation of the regime governing the CE marking and take appropriate action in the event of improper use of the marking. Member States shall also provide for penalties for infringements, which may include criminal sanctions for serious infringements. Those penalties shall be proportionate to the seriousness of the offence and constitute an effective deterrent against improper use.

Process of CE Marking (self certification mode)

• Study which directive is applicable
• Determine which standards are applicable
• Test your product to ascertain if it complies
• Make a test report
• Make Technical Construction File: Technical documentation – The manufacturer must draw up a technical file (technical documentation). The technical documentation is intended to provide information on the design, manufacture and operation of the product. This is widely called ‘Technical Construction File’.
• Make a declaration that the product conforms to the standard(s).
• Apply the CE mark on your product.

Process of CE Marking (third party certification mode)

• The steps essentially remain the same.
• In this case, a Notified Body must make the test.
• The Notified Body will make the test report and declaration.
• The CE Mark will carry a number linking to the Notified Body.

DISCLAIMER: This matter is reproduced here as a guide only.