CE certification means the manufacturer or importer affirms the good’s Conformity with European health, safety, and environmental protection standards. The CE mark on the backside is required for the product manufactured in other countries to be sold in the European Economic Area, and it is also found on the goods made in EEA sold elsewhere. It is required by law for some products to have an independent inspection done by a notified body to display the CE mark on your products to sell them legally. Let’s have a look at the process of obtaining the CE certification.
- Find the applicable directive.
The first step is to decide whether your product is applicable for CE or not. It applies to specific product groups or aspects covered in 24 directives. If your product falls under those regulations, it must be CE verified. You also need to check if the country or countries you will sell your products requires CE testing. The countries forming part of EEA need CE marking for goods. You can check out the website of the European Commission for details and updates regarding directives.
- Know the essential requirements
Each directive has a different method of exhibiting Conformity that details what the EU legally requires from products to be compliant. It depends on the classification of products and their intended use. The European Commission provides a mandate known as harmonized European standards entailing interpretations on specific requirements of the directive to develop benchmarks. A product that confirms harmonized standards is deemed to comply with the requirements of applicable rulings.
- Third-Party Certification
The CE marking process is self declarator, but some directives indicate that some products need to be verified by a third party. The organizations known as notified bodies are authorized by the European authority to certify products to comply with essential requirements. The European Union has receded the number of products that need NB assessment. Use the NANDO database to find notified bodies appointed by the EU.
- Assess product conformity
You need evidence that your product meets the essential requirements of directives after all the conditions have been established. There are eight conformity modules from Module A to H, each applicable directive outlines which conformity assessment module applies for a product and which test a manufacturer can undertake. The authorized representative appeals for the EC type-examination, inform the notified body of all modifications and keeps the technical documentation.
- Technical Documentation
All CE directives impose an obligation for manufacturers to make available technical documentation regarding a product, so it must be compiled. This information should cover every aspect and detail of Conformity like the design, development, specifications, or modifications. The relevant data must be held up to 10 years from the last date the product was manufactured unless otherwise stated. The location of Europe is not mandatorily required by law, but EU distributors marketing goods under their name must have a copy of complete documentation.
- Declaration of Conformity & Affixing CE mark
The declaration of Conformity is the document that certifies compliance with CE directives. It is an acknowledgement of responsibility by the manufacturer that he has complied with applicable mandates. The declaration should be made available to authorities immediately upon request. It includes your identity, product description, directives involved, and standards used. As per the rule, the mark should be affixed to all the new products, whether manufactured or sold in the EU, but it can be attached to packaging or documents if it’s impossible to affix it with goods.
Bottom Line:
CE certification certainly has its perks. It lets consumers and regulators know that a particular product is CE-certified, complies with safety, and allows you to trade freely in the European Union Market. However, before you display your goods in the market, you must know the concept of CE, the products that need CE certification, and what it stands for when placed on a product. If you want to learn more about procedures or obtain a CE mark, visit our website.
