If you’re planning to market your electronic device or other product in the European Union, you’ll need to receive a CE marking.
Navigating the complexities of product certification can be a daunting task, and the CE marking process is no exception. The CE mark acts like a passport for your product throughout Europe, allowing market access in the countries that make up the EU and European Economic Area.
Just like with a real passport, there are numerous steps that you’ll need to complete to gain the CE mark for your device and enter the EU market.
As specialists in CE testing and compliance, we can help you test your electronic device, gain the CE marking, and market your product in Europe. To request a quote, or ask our engineers and compliance specialists for more information, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.
You can also continue reading below to learn more about the CE marking process, from what you’ll need to do before testing to the testing, technical documentation, and EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) process.
What is the CE Marking?
The CE marking, which stands for Conformité Européenne (European Conformity) is a marking that’s applied to products to indicate that they conform with the EU’s standards for health, safety and environmental protection.
By law, the CE marking is required for all products sold in the European Economic Area (the EU member state countries, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). The marking has a distinctive “CE” logo, with rounded letters.
Effectively, the CE mark serves as an indicator that your product complies with all EU standards and regulations for its respective category. Non-electronic products, such as children’s toys and other products, are also required to receive a CE mark.
If you’re an electronics manufacturer, obtaining a CE mark is a critical step in gaining access to the EU market. The EU regularly takes action against non-compliant products by issuing fines, removing products from the market, and taking other forms of legal action.
CE Marking Process for Electronics
The process of obtaining the CE mark for your electronic device involves several steps, from the earliest stages of identifying the applicable directives to completing product assessment and CE lab testing:
- Identify the applicable directives and standards. There are numerous directives and standards that apply to products sold in Europe. For example, common standards for an electronic device include the EMC Directive and Radio Equipment Directive. You’ll need to identify the correct standards before starting the assessment and testing process.As specialists in CE testing and compliance, our team can help you identify regulations and standards that apply to your device in the EU.
- Product assessment. During the design process, you’ll need to assess your device to ensure it complies with the respective standards. This typically means reviewing design, components, materials and the manufacturing process for your product.
- CE testing. In order to achieve CE compliance, you’ll need to complete testing for your device with an accredited testing lab. This process includes testing for electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and compliance with environmental standards.
- Technical documentation. During and after testing, technical documentation for your device is completed. This includes design and manufacturing information, test reports, environmental compliance information and other documents.
- Declaration of Conformity (DoC). In order to receive a CE mark, you’ll need to sign a Declaration of Conformity. This is a legal document that affirms your product meets the standards and regulations required by the European Union.
- Add the CE mark to your device. After completing the above steps, you can add the CE marking to your device, granting you legal access to the European Economic Area market.
Common Tests for CE Compliance for Electronics
The specific tests required to complete the CE marking process can vary based on your device type, its design and its internal components.
Common tests required for electronic devices include the following:
- EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) testing. This type of testing ensures that your device does not emit excessive electromagnetic interference (EMI) and is immune to a normal level of EMI from other equipment.
- LVD (Low Voltage Directive) testing. This testing, which is required for electronics in certain voltage ranges, ensures that your device meets the EU’s safety standards and offers protection against electrical shock, fire and other hazards.
- RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) testing. This type of testing ensures that your device does not contain harmful substances, such as lead, cadmium, and/or mercury.
- Radio Equipment Directive (RED) testing. If your device uses radio frequency, this type of testing ensures that it complies with EU regulations regarding radio spectrum efficiency, safety and health.
Contact Us About CE Testing & Getting the CE Mark
Completing CE testing and acquiring the CE mark for your device is a key step in entering the European market. CE compliance is essential for selling your device in the EU, with regulators frequently issuing fines and taking other forms of legal action against non-compliant devices.
As specialists in CE testing and compliance, we can help you identify the necessary standards for your device, complete lab testing, and get the CE mark you need to sell your product in the European Union.
To request a quote or ask our engineers and compliance specialists a question, contact us via email or call us now at 866-540-5287.
