Procedure for CE marking

Procedure for CE marking

Introduction

To ensure that products sold in EFTA countries (which consist of the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) and Turkey are suitable for being placed on the market, the EU sets out safety, health and environmental protection requirements. CE marking on a product indicates that the product meets these essential requirements and is therefore absolutely indispensable, not only for products manufactured in Europe but also for those marketed in the EFTA area, provided that these products are regulated in a Community Directive.
CE marking, therefore, guarantees that a product meets the requirements necessary to be sold and enjoy free circulation in the European market. It is the CE marking that demonstrates that the product can be sold in the EFTA area.
Obtaining the CE marking is the responsibility of the manufacturer or its authorized legal representative. In order for a product to bear the CE marking, the manufacturer of the product must declare, under its sole responsibility, the product’s conformity with all the requirements laid down in the applicable Community Directives.

• Verification of applicable directives and compliance with essential requirements

As not all products are regulated by Community Directives that oblige them to be marked, the first step for a manufacturer should take is to check which Community Directives apply to its particular product.