CE marking is the visible outcome of conformity assessment. It is not a quality mark and does not automatically mean “third-party certified”. By affixing it, the manufacturer declares that the product meets all applicable requirements of EU harmonisation legislation requiring CE marking.
Before affixing CE, the manufacturer must complete the applicable conformity assessment, prepare technical documentation, resolve non-conformities and issue the EU declaration of conformity.
Where to affix CE
- CE must be visible, legible and indelible on the product.
- Where the product’s nature makes that impossible or unwarranted, affix it to the packaging and to the EU declaration accompanying the product.
- For a product in the form of software, affix CE either to the EU declaration or to the website accompanying the software product. The relevant part of that website must be easily and directly accessible to consumers.
- Affix CE before placing the product on the market.
Because of the nature of a product, the marking may be less than 5 mm high if it remains visible and legible. Use the official CE artwork and proportions.
When to add the notified body number
Under the CRA, the notified body’s identification number follows CE only where that body was involved in full quality assurance — module H. Do not add the number merely because a notified body performed module B EU-type examination.