How To Get The CE Mark
Despite what many people believe, a manufacture does not “get” the CE mark from a third party certification body or a European or national authority. The manufacturer affixes the CE marking in his own right and is allowed to do so when all requirements are fulfilled. A test or certification body may be involved in the process merely as a service provider. However, the body will not take over responsibility for CE compliance. Responsibility for CE compliance will always remain with the manufacturer (or private labeler).
The CE marking rules typically require the following steps to be fulfilled before the CE mark may be affixed:
• Determine the applicable CE directives/regulations (You can use the CE Directive Checklist in our CE Marking Toolbox);
• Identify the applicable European harmonized standards;
• Identify which essential requirements of the CE marking directive/regulations apply to the product;
• Identify which requirements of the European harmonized standards apply to the product;
• Conduct and document the conformity assessment against the essential requirements and the requirements from the standards (this may entail visual inspection, testing etc.);
• Machinery and medical devices require to be submitted to a risk analysis;
• Provide the user with the information required to use the product safely (typically user manual, installation instruction, warning labels etc.);
• Ensure consistency of production, thus proving the assessed sample and the production are identical;
• Compile a Technical File (or sometimes called “technical documentation”) of all documents that are necessary to show compliance with all relevant requirements;
• Draw up and sign a Declaration of Conformity (for construction products a Declaration of Performance);
• Affix the CE mark;
• Continuously monitor developments related to CE directives/regulations and European harmonized standards. Apply new rules and amendments where appropriate.