FAQ: "What Is CE Marking?"
The CE Marking indicates that a product complies with the requirements of the applicable European Directive(s). These Directives for products, which are called "New Approach" Directives, set out essential requirements which must be met before products may be marketed or traded within the European Economic Area. Thus, to indicate that a product complies with the applicable Directive(s), a CE Marking must be displayed.
FAQ: "What Does "CE" Stand For?"
CE stands for Conformit¨¦e Europ¨¦enne, which, translated literally, means "European Conformity". The CE Marking indicates that the product complies with all European requirements and conformity assessment procedures that apply to it. The requirements have been harmonized throughout the member states of the European Economic Area. This means that if a product complies with the CE requirements, it can freely be traded in each of these member states.
FAQ: "In Which Countries Is The CE Marking Required?"
In Which Countries Does the CE Mark Apply?
The CE Marking is required only in the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA).
The European Economic Area (EEA) is formed by the twentyfive Member States of the European Union (EU), viz:
Austria (became member in 1995)
Belgium (Founder Member in 1957)
Czech Republic (2004)
Cyprus (2004)
Denmark (1973)
Estonia (2004)
Finland (1995)
France (FM 1957)
Germany (FM 1957)
Greece (1981)
Hungary (2004)
Ireland (1973)
Italy, (FM 1957)
Latvia (2004)
Lithuania (2004)
Luxembourg (FM 1957)
Malta (2004)
The Netherlands (FM 1957)
Poland (2004)
Portugal (1986)
Slovakia (2004)
Slovenia (2004)
Spain (1986)
Sweden (1995)
United Kingdom (Great Britain) (1973)
... as well as three members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA): Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.
Although Switzerland is member of the EFTA, it does not take part in the EEA.
FAQ: "Why Has The CE Marking Been Established?"
The European CE certification procedure has been mainly set up to:
1.Harmonize all varying national regulations for consumer and industrial products in European Member States, so that the Single Market is encouraged;
2.Bring about cost savings for producers;
3.Enhance the safety of products;
4.Supply public bodies with a uniform procedure that can be checked.
Formerly, product requirements and test procedures were set by the Member States of the EU. This meant that, for example, companies that wanted to sell their products on the European market sometimes had to deal with more than ten different technical requirements or procedures for just one product. The existence of all the different national legislation was contrary to the aim of the European Union in realizing one Single Market, in which there would be a free circulation of goods (as well as a free circulation of persons, services and capital).
All the different product requirements brought many costs for the producers. With the help of the CE- or New Approach Directives the measures have been optimized by setting up European (European-wide) requirements, the harmonization of national legislation and directives, standards and mutual recognition of the technical standards, tests methods (compliance tests) and test laboratories, so that producers no longer need to adapt their products to the different markets.
During the process of harmonization the safety level of all products was attuned and raised. In most European countries, safety and health had already been the subject of directives for many years but the safety level was not always satisfactory.
With the help of the conformity assessment procedures, the authorities can ascertain that the products that are placed on the market comply with the requirements as stated in the regulations of the directives. The CE Marking is consequently largely for the benefit of the authorities. However, safe products are also necessary for the end user in the work or consumer environment.
FAQ: "How Does The CE Marking Affect Industry?"
For some products the requirements of the CE Marking Directives are very strict. Sometimes they are even more strict than the present national laws and regulations. This means that many producers will have to change their way of producing because their products have to comply with the essential requirements of the directives. However, once a product complies with the essential requirements of the applicable Directive, producers have unrestricted trade throughout the European Economic Area. The CE Marking can be regarded as a "trade passport" for the whole European Economic Area.
FAQ: "What is the Relation Between CE Marking and Product Liability?"
"Safety is the keyword for the relation between CE Marking and Product Liability. The difference between the old and the new European Product Liability directive is the fact that the consumer does not have to prove that a product has caused damage. Since the producer is liable for damage caused by a defect in his product, he has to prove that his product has not been the cause. Therefore, it is important that products are produced according to the essential requirements which are set by the European product directives so that the CE Marking can be affixed. This ensures that a product complies with the minimum safety requirements and damage claims can be limited."
FAQ: "What Is A Directive?"
A European Directive can be regarded as an European law, and is legally binding for every Member State of the European Union. Through transposition into the national legislation of the Member States, persons and companies are subject to the requirements of the European Directives.
FAQ: "What Is The Role Of Standards In CE Marking?"
A EU harmonized standard is a standard that has been accepted by all the national standardization institutes involved. European harmonized standards are of great importance. The essential requirements which are set by a directive have been elaborated in the harmonized European standards. The advantage of manufacturing products meeting these harmonized European standards is that this will automatically result in a Presumption of Conformity with the European directive. A EU harmonized standard is a standard that has been accepted by all the national standardization institutes involved. Each country within the EEA can use its influence when European standards are being established 
