If you’ve ever purchased an electronic device, whether in the European Union (EU) or abroad, you may have noticed a “CE” logo either on the device itself, on its packaging, or on both. 

This is a CE marking, and it means that the device complies with all relevant directives that are required for European Conformity. The “CE” stands for “Conformité Européenne,” or “European Conformity” in French. 

On electronic devices, the CE mark is similar to the FCC logo and FCC labeling you might spot on computer hardware, consumer electronics, and other electronic devices that comply with the FCC’s regulations.

If you’re in the process of developing an electronic device and plan to sell it within the EU, the CE mark is an essential part of gaining market access. 

As an accredited electronics testing lab, our team can help you to complete CE testing for your device and get the CE mark. To request a quote or talk to our team, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.

Below, you can find more information about what the CE marking means on electronic devices, how the CE marking process works, and common tests that are used to ensure devices comply with European regulations and achieve CE certification.

What is a CE Marking?

The CE marking, or CE logo, is a mark placed on products and their packaging that indicates they comply with the European Union’s standards and regulations. 

Many products sold in the European Economic Area (the European Union member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) require a CE marking. For example, a CE marking needs to be applied to most children’s toys, as well as other common household items.

Electronic devices are no exception. The CE mark is mandatory for all electrical and electronic equipment marketed for use within the European Economic Area, including home electronics and electronic devices used in commercial and industrial settings.

When an electronic device has a CE marking, it signifies that the manufacturer declares that it conforms with all legal requirements to achieve this marking. These requirements cover a wide range of fields, including health, safety and environmental protection.

CE Marking and Electronics

Getting a CE marking for your device is a crucial step in accessing the European market. The mark acts similarly to a passport for your device, allowing you to sell your product in all of the EU and EEA member countries without having to complete separate testing for each.

The process of getting a CE mark for your device involves several steps, starting with design decisions that prioritize compliance and pre-compliance testing. 

During this phase, you’ll need to identify the relevant EU regulations and standards that may apply to your device. Common EU standards for electronic products include the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive.

Other EU standards that may also apply to your device include the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) and Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive.

To verify that your device complies with all applicable directives, you’ll need to test your device in a certified, accredited testing lab. We specialize in testing for CE compliance and can carry out CE testing for your device to help you achieve compliance and earn the CE mark. 

Our guide to the CE marking process goes into greater detail about the steps required to test your device and achieve compliance with European Conformity regulations. 

Common Tests for CE Compliance for Electronics

Several tests are used to assess electronic devices for CE compliance. Depending on the type of device you plan to market in Europe, your device may need to complete one or several of the tests below:

• Safety testing (Low Voltage Directive). This testing ensures that electrical devices are designed to operate safely under normal and fault conditions. It involves checking that a device has sufficient electrical insulation, mechanical stability and thermal resistance.
• Electromagnetic compatibility testing (EMC Directive). This testing ensures that the electronic device doesn’t emit excessive electromagnetic interference (EMI), and that it has sufficient immunity to electromagnetic interference from other devices.
• RoHS testing. This testing checks for restricted substances that pose environmental or health hazards, such as mercury, cadmium and other chemicals.
• Radio Frequency (RF) testing. This testing, which is performed on devices that make use of radio frequency communications, ensures that they comply with EU directives on use of the radio spectrum. 

In certain cases, other tests may be required to verify that your electronic device complies with EU standards and can gain the CE marking.

Contact Us About CE Testing & Compliance

The CE mark signifies that a device has met all of the regulatory requirements to go on sale in the European Economic Area. It’s similar to the FCC mark for electronic devices in the United States, which confirms that a device complies with the FCC Part 15 rules. 

If you’re developing an electronic device and plan to market it in Europe, getting a CE mark is one of the most important steps in bringing your product to market. 

As an accredited electronics testing lab, we can complete testing for your device and help you acquire the CE mark. We can also help you to gain electrical certification and market access in other key markets, including the United States, Canada, Australia and others.

To request a quote for CE testing and compliance, or to ask our engineers any questions about the process, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.