In brief
With CE marking, the manufacturer declares that a product meets all applicable EU harmonisation legislation; it is not a quality seal.
Contents
What is CE marking?
CE marking is a prerequisite for certain products to be placed on the market in the European Economic Area. It is intended only for products covered by at least one directive or regulation that requires it, such as machinery, low-voltage equipment, pressure equipment, products for potentially explosive atmospheres or equipment subject to electromagnetic compatibility requirements. The general principles are laid down in Regulation (EC) No 765/2008.
Before affixing it, the manufacturer carries out a conformity assessment procedure, draws up the technical documentation and issues an EU declaration of conformity. Depending on the product and risk, a notified body must be involved, whose identification number then appears next to the CE mark. For machinery, the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 applies from 20 January 2027 in place of the Machinery Directive.
Importers of products from third countries have their own verification obligations: they must ensure that the conformity assessment, documentation and marking are in place.
In practice: maintenance and procurement
For spare parts, the marking obligation depends on whether the part itself falls under harmonisation legislation. For parts from third countries, CE marking and the declaration of conformity should be clarified before ordering.
Synonyms and abbreviations: CE mark · CE certification (colloquial) · CE label · EU declaration of conformity
Frequently asked questions
Who checks whether CE marking has been affixed correctly?
Responsibility lies with the manufacturer, who assesses and declares conformity itself. There is no general prior government approval; only for certain products must a notified body be involved. Checks are carried out afterwards by the market surveillance authorities of the member states, which can request documents, test products and, in the event of infringements, take measures up to and including a sales ban.
Do spare parts need their own CE marking?
That depends on the part. Components that themselves fall under harmonisation legislation, such as many items of electrical equipment, safety components or equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres, bear their own marking. Pure components such as seals or bearings generally do not. In an individual case, the information provided by the competent market surveillance authority is binding; this entry does not constitute legal advice.
How can you recognise questionable CE marking?
Warning signs are incorrect proportions or a mark that is too small, as it must generally be at least 5 mm high, a missing or incomplete EU declaration of conformity and notified body identification numbers that do not match the product. Identification numbers can be checked in the European Commission's public database. In case of doubt, the declaration of conformity should be requested before ordering.