CE marking (CE mark)

The European Commission has been drawing up New Approach Directives for various product groups introduced on the market in the European Economic Area (EEA) ever since 1985. CE marking indicates that a product complies with all the relevant EU directives.

Directives as a starting point

The EU directives are the starting point for CE marking. They set essential requirements relating to health, safety, consumer protection and the environment for products put on the market or into operation within the EEA.

"Putting a product on the market" means the first time that a product referred to in the directive is made available, either free of charge or on payment, on the Community market with a view to distributing and/or using it within the European Union.

The essential requirements relating to CE marking and product liability have been formulated in general terms, and apply to various product groups. For example, there are New Approach Directives for toys, gas appliances and machinery. At the present moment, there are about 30 product directives for 30 different product groups in force.

Step-by-step plan for CE marking

There is a comprehensive step-by-step plan for CE marking:

  • Step 1 Determining the scope of the CE marking
  • Step 2 Risk assessment and risk reduction based on CE marking
  • Step 3 Technical File (TF) in conformity with CE marking
  • Step 4 User manual
  • Step 5 EU declaration of conformity
  • Step 6 CE Check
  • Step 7 CE marking for assembled machines
  • Step 8 Guarantee for CE marking

Who affixes the CE marking to the product?

The manufacturer affixes the CE marking to the product. Please note that a user may also be considered as a manufacturer, e.g. if the machine is manufactured, assembled or altered by this user.

D&F’s recommendations on CE marking

D&F Consulting B.V. focuses its expertise on CE marking on the basis of the following:

  • (New) Machinery Directive
  • EMC Directive
  • Low Voltage Directive
  • Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)
  • ATEX 95 Directive

Training courses

D&F offers training courses on CE marking as well as recommendations. These courses vary from a one-day course on CE marking to the eight-day CE Master Class.

We can also provide you with in-company training for a group of your employees with the same training needs. This applies to all courses offered by D&F. For more information and a quotation, please contact Daisy Markerink at d.markerink@denf.nl

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