CE marking

The letters ‘CE’ appear on many products traded on the extended Single Market in the European Economic Area (EEA). They signify that products sold in the EEA have been assessed to meet high safety, health, and environmental protection requirements.

Manufacturers

Manufacturers play a vital role in ensuring that products placed on the extended single market of the EEA are safe. It is their responsibility to carry out the conformity assessment, set up the technical file, issue the EU declaration of conformity and affix the CE marking to a product.

Importers and distributors

Importers and distributors help ensure that only products compliant with EU rules, bearing CE marking are placed on the EEA market. As intermediaries between manufacturers and traders they must have knowledge of the legal requirements and ensure that products they distribute or import meet them.

EU Consumers

EU consumers may have different preferences when it comes to the colour or brand of products such as a new laptop or a toy for their children. At the same time, they expect all products on the market to be safe.

CE marking in your country

Contact details for authorities who may be able to help you with CE marking.

When you buy a new phone, a teddy bear, or a TV within the EEA, you can find the CE mark on them. CE marking also supports fair competition by holding all companies accountable to the same rules.

By affixing the CE marking to a product, a manufacturer declares that the product meets all the legal requirements for CE marking and can be sold throughout the EEA. This also applies to products made in other countries that are sold in the EEA.  

There are two main benefits CE marking brings to businesses and consumers within the EEA

         businesses know that products bearing the CE marking can be traded in the EEA without restrictions

       consumers enjoy the same level of health, safety, and environmental 

         protection throughout the entire EEA

CE marking is a part of the EU’s harmonisation legislation, which is mainly managed by Directorate-General for Internal market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs. The CE marking for Restriction of Hazardous Substances is managed by Directorate-General for Environment. Comprehensive guidance on the implementation of EU product rules can be found in the so-called Blue Guide.

This website provides information for manufacturers, importers and distributors on their responsibilities when placing a product on the EEA market. It also informs consumers about the rights and benefits that CE marking brings them.

If you’re looking for information on CE marking in your country, contact the Enterprise Europe Network or check the list of contact points in the EEA.

How to reproduce the CE mark

GENERAL GUIDELINES    25 October 2021