If you intend to market an electronic device in the European Union, it must complete the CE certification process. This process involves testing your electronic device to verify it complies with relevant EU regulations regarding electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and safety.
We specialize in CE testing and certification for electronics, and have assisted hundreds of manufacturers to successfully receive CE certification and gain market access.
The CE certification process can differ based on your device’s type and purpose. For most electronic devices, achieving CE certification means proving compliance with the EU EMC Directive and other relevant regulations.
You can find more information about the CE testing and certification process for electronic devices below, including commonly-applied EU directives your device must comply with for market access in Europe.
To request a free quote for testing and certifying your device, or to ask our engineers about compliance for Europe, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.
What is CE Certification?
The CE mark, which stands for Conformité Européenne, or European Conformity, is a legal compliance mark that must be placed on products sold in the European Union. It signifies a device fully complies with all relevant European regulatory directives and standards.
CE regulatory directives apply to almost all products sold in the European Union, including electronic devices. Product manufacturers and/or importers are required to show that their products comply with all relevant directives in order to enter the EU market.
This process is typically referred to as CE certification. It involves identifying all regulatory directives that apply to your device, completing testing to verify compliance, and issuing a Declaration of Conformity confirming that your device is compliant and market ready.
Devices that complete the CE certification process may be affixed with the CE mark, which grants legal access to the European market.
CE certification is required for all electronic devices sold in the European Union. It’s also an essential step for products sold in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, which are part of the European Economic Area (EEA).
Common EU Directives for Electronic Device CE Certification
Electronic devices marketed in the European Union are subject to several regulations. The following regulatory directives may apply to your electronic device:
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive
The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive applies to all devices that are capable of producing electromagnetic interference (EMI). This directive sets standards for radiated and conducted electromagnetic emissions, and electromagnetic immunity.
Radio Equipment Directive (RED)
The Radio Equipment Directive (RED) applies to all electronic devices that emit and/or receive radio frequency (RF) waves. This directive sets standards to reduce interference that can affect the operation of radio communications and RF devices.
Low Voltage Directive (LVD)
The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) (2014/35/EU) applies to electronic devices that operate in the 50-1,000 volts alternating current and 75-1,500 volts direct current ranges. This regulation sets safety standards to protect users of electronic devices and equipment.
Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive
The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive sets limits for the use of hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, cadmium and others, in electronic devices.
CE Certification Process for Electronic Devices
- Identify relevant EU directives. Prior to testing your device, you will need to identify the relevant EU standards that apply based on its type. Feel free to contact us and our team can inform you about the EU regulatory directives that apply to your device.
- Carry out pre-compliance tests. After identifying the relevant directives, you may want to carry out pre-compliance testing. This type of testing is performed early in the design process to identify and fix potential issues early and inexpensively.
- Complete CE compliance testing. Before bringing your device to market, you will need to complete a conformity assessment to verify it fully complies with all EU standards. We specialize in CE testing and can test your device in our accredited laboratory.
- Prepare technical documentation. After competing testing, a technical file is prepared for your device. This file includes design documentation, applicable standards, results of lab testing, and other information about your device.
- EU Declaration of Conformity. A Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is a legal document stating that your electronic device complies with all EU regulatory directives that apply based on its type and purpose.
- Affix CE marking to your device. After preparing a DoC for your device, you can affix the CE marking to your device and/or its packaging. More information about the marking process for CE compliance is provided in the section below.
CE Marking Requirements for Electronic Devices
After completing CE testing and verifying that your device complies with all relevant regulatory directives, you can affix the CE mark to your device. The CE marking is mandatory for devices that enter the EU market, and must follow specific requirements.
Your device’s CE marking must meet the following standards:
- The CE marking must be affixed to your device. Alternatively, the marking may be affixed to the device’s packaging and/or its documentation if the marking cannot be displayed on the device itself.
- The CE marking must consist of the letters “CE” in a legible typeface, with both letters identical in height (at least 5mm). The marking must be visible, legible and cannot be removable from the device and/or its packaging.
- The CE marking must remain in proportion if it is enlarged or reduced from its original dimensions.
Contact Us About CE Certification for Your Electronic Device
Completing the CE testing and certification process is mandatory if you plan to sell your device in the European Union. By law, you must verify that your device complies with all EU standards and affix the CE mark to gain European market access.
As an ANSI-accredited electronics testing lab, we specialize in testing and certifying devices for European Union market access. Our team can test your product and complete the certification process on your behalf, allowing you to market your device in Europe.
To request a quote for testing and certification, or to ask our team your questions about the CE testing and certification process, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.
