European CE Mark Directives

HISTORY OF CE MARKING !!

Background to "CE" Marking
Since 1985 the European Union has been setting out new harmonised technical standards for products sold in the EU. The aim is to protect consumers whilst making sales to member states easier.

Issued as European Directives these standards place particular emphasis on Health and Safety.
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The standards are mandatory, any company from any country selling a product into the EU must ensure its compliance with the applicable European Directives.

The CE (European Conformity) mark is rapidly replacing national standards including the British Standard Kite Mark and German DIN.

No CE Mark = No sales within the European Community.

 

What does it do for you?
The major benefit to manufacturers and agents is that their products, once certified, may be freely distributed throughout the EU without the need to consider any local directives issued by other member states.

"Member states shall not impede.....the placing on the market and the taking into service on their
territory of apparatus covered by this Directive which satisfies the requirements thereof."

Typical statement from EC Directive.

 

Benefits European Acceptance Will Give You
Access to the 30% of the world market within the current boundaries of the EU.

Existing European Community Countries:-

The 3 countries of the European Free Trade Association has accepted "CE" marking as an indication of product acceptability:-

• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Norway

And the Independent country of

• Switzerland

EC approval will also help provide access to other European markets including those of the former Eastern bloc where the "CE" Mark is becoming a measure of product quality and acceptance. For example:-

• Hungary
• Poland
• Czech
• Republic
• Malta
• Cyprus
• Turkey
• Russia and others

Once EC acceptance is received, the expected enlargement of the commercial boundaries of the European Union will lead to an increase in the potential market.

"CE" certification is being used by countries outside Europe as a guide to product acceptability.

 

Is It Worth It?
Consider that CE marking covers products for sale throughout Europe from Sweden in the north to Greece and Italy in the south. As a result, CE marking is expected to be the World's most common regulatory and safety mark.

Only you can decide, but if you believe that you cannot afford to ignore the 30% of world trade available within the European Community, and you intend to sell your products there, they must meet the Regulations.

Can you afford to ignore this opportunity?

Help is at hand
For further information and guidance on the best approach for your products including the required advice on the assembly of a technical file and implementation of EN46000 or ISO9000, why not call our experts.

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