CE Directives overview

In the 1980s, a transnational legal framework was created for the marketing of products in the EU. The basic principle is the personal responsibility of the person placing the product on the market. One milestone was the definition of CE-relevant products, for which ownership must be documented in a CE declaration of conformity, which later becomes an EU declaration of conformity. Legal background information on CE marking can be found in this PDF by ce-mark.com.

Important notes on these directives / CE directives compact:

• The abbreviation CE stands for Communauté Européenne. This is French and means European Community. The symbol CE stands for regulations, which are applied harmonized in Europe. The aim is to simplify the movement of goods on the European internal market.
• Currently (as of January 2021), there are more than 20 different CE directives, which relate to a wide variety of products or product groups, some of which are very precisely defined. For example, there are separate directives for elevators, pressure equipment, construction products and toys.
• The marking resulting from the CE directives does not mean that a product has been produced in Europe, but that it has been tested before being placed on the market for the first time - and found to be "good" with regard to the legal requirements.
• There are six steps to CE marking a product: 1. identify the directives and harmonized standards relevant to a product 2. check the specific conditions for the product (list of EU harmonized standards) 3. if necessary, involve a notified body for a conformity assessment procedure 4. test the product and have it checked for conformity 5. compile and keep technical documentation 6. affix the CE mark to the product in accordance with the law and write the EC declaration of conformity. If you need help with this process, please do not hesitate to contact us.

EU directives and regulations on CE marking: our competencies

• Building Products Regulation (EU) 305/2011
• Radio Systems Directive 2014/53/EU
• Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU
• EMC Directive 2014/30/EU
• Radio Equipment/RED Directive 2014/53/EU
• Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC*
• Medical Devices Directive 93/42/EEC*
• Measuring Instruments Directive 2014/32/EU*
• Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
• Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EU
• Outdoor Directive 2000/14/EC*
• Personal Protective Equipment Regulation (EU) 2016/425
• RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU
• Toys Directive 2009/48/EC

*: These directives only partially fall within our competence. Here we cooperate with partner companies if necessary

Legally compliant implementation of CE directives and regulations

For the implementation of the requirements, the EU shows several possibilities, which are represented by "modules". We use "Module A" for implementation, which is the most favorable variant for import companies in almost every case.

-> Only those who act in compliance with the law are safely protected from official sanctions. We help you to implement the necessary measures.

Minimize your risk and act now!    Free webinars on Product Compliance

Additional service for you regarding the CE directives: Download blank EU Declaration of Conformity

• Determination of the requirements relevant for your products
• Preparation of risk analyses and assessments
• Selection of suitable test laboratories
• Evaluation of your test reports
• Preparation of the EU declaration of conformity
• Verification of your product's labeling for legal conformity
• Adhoc consulting (billing at hourly rate)