The letters “CE” appear on many products traded in the enlarged single market in the European Economic Area (EEA). They mean that products sold in the EEA have been assessed to meet high safety, health and environmental protection requirements. When you buy a new phone, teddy bear or TV in the EEA, you will find the CE mark on them. CE marking also supports fair competition by holding all companies accountable to the same rules.
By affixing the CE marking to a product, a manufacturer declares that the product meets all the legal requirements for CE marking and can be sold throughout the EEA. This also applies to products manufactured in other countries and sold in the EEA.
CE marking has two main benefits for businesses and consumers in the EEA:
– Businesses know that products bearing the CE marking can be traded without restriction in the EEA.
– Consumers enjoy the same level of health, safety and environmental protection throughout the EEA.
CE marking is part of the EU’s HARMONISATION REGULATIONS, managed mainly by the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs. CE marking for the restriction of hazardous substances is managed by the Directorate-General for the Environment. Comprehensive guidance on the implementation of EU product legislation can be found in the so-called Blue Guide.
This website provides information to manufacturers, importers and distributors about their responsibilities when placing a product on the EEA market. It also informs consumers about the rights and benefits that CE marking gives them.
If you are looking for information on CE marking in your country, contact the Enterprise Europe Network or check the list of contact points in the EEA.
Not all products are required to have a CE marking. It is only obligatory for most of the New Approach directives “Covered Products”. It is prohibited to affix CE marking on other products.
Please note that a CE marking does not indicate that a product has been approved as safe by the EU or any other authority. Nor does it indicate the origin of a product. This is the sole responsibility of the manufacturer.
Source: European Commission/Brussels
gez. Peter Ziegler CEO
