The CE Marking, which means European Conformity Mark, is represented by a specific graphic symbol (logotype) that guarantees the consumer the conformity of the product with all the provisions of the European Community which provide for its use from design, to manufacture, to placing. on the market, from commissioning of the product to disposal.
This symbol was created in 1993 and, on many products, it is mandatory to be marketed within the European Economic Area (EEA) which includes the countries of the European Union and the 3 EFTA countries (Norway, Iceland, and Lichtenstein).
Therefore, a product that is marketed in Europe must have the CE mark whether it is manufactured in China or whether it is manufactured in a country of the European Union such as the USA.
TU: Does this apply to all products?
No, not all products on the market are required to have European Conformity. Here are some examples.
- Products that must have European Conformity.
Toys, medical devices, electrical devices, sunglasses, eyeglasses, gas devices, cars, radios and TVs, vertical road signs, etc. In these products, the trademark is mandatory, because they expose the buyer to very serious risks during use.
- Products where the CE mark is not mandatory
Wooden furniture, armored doors, fixtures, gardening items, clocks, non-electric musical instruments, mattresses, scissors, cutlery, plates and glasses, footwear, luggage.
Counterfeiting of the CE mark
Like other brands, the European Conformity brand is also exposed to the risk of counterfeiting. One of the best known is that of the CE - China Export mark.
The graphic designs of these brands differ very little, leading the consumer to confuse them in 90% of cases.
The sanctions are very severe, both from a civil and criminal point of view.
Manufacturers who use the counterfeit CE mark for their product incur penalties such as:
- Payment of a fine from 1,000 to 6,000 euros
- Criminal proceedingsfor any damage suffered (which can be requested up to 5 years later)
- Void purchase-sale relationship(it is possible not to proceed with the payment or to return the goods without conditions )
How can I get this mark on my product?
To be able to affix the CE Mark on your product you must first have an EC Certificate as proof of passing the tests (tests, inspections, etc.) required by the directive to achieve the CE marking.
This Certificate is based on a self-declaration by the manufacturer in which he affirms that he complies with all the requirements established by law (Decision 93/465 / EEC of the Council of the European Union, of 22 July 1993) to obtain the mark itself and assumes its full responsibility.
Here, in detail, are all the steps to use the CE mark on your product.
- Specific tests.
These are tests and technical tests to be performed on the product to verify its safety and compliance with European standards.
Secondly, the manufacturer must prepare a technical file to be made available to the authorities, in which he collects all the documents proving the conformity of the product with the technical requirements.
Attention: in some cases, this "self-certification" must be evaluated as "Notified Bodies" which must verify if the product meets the specific technical requirements.
Finally, it is necessary to draw up and sign an EU declaration of conformity that certifies the conformity of the product to all legal requirements.
Only at this point, the manufacturer will be able to affix the CE mark on the product and on the packaging, to be able to market it in the European Economic Area, without the Member States being able in any way to restrict its circulation.
The CE mark is completely different from the European mark which instead protects the name of a product or service.
If you want to know more, contact the I3CGLOBAL TEAM by writing to enquiry@i3cglobal.com. We help you understand all the steps to take to obtain a European trademark and to protect your product.
You can delegate the legal part to industry experts who have been dealing with trademarks, patents, and copyright for over 10 years.
Book your free appointment now by writing an email to enquiry@i3cglobal.com or visit the CE Marking Approval page for more information
