In brief
The EU declaration of conformity is the manufacturer's declaration that its product meets all applicable EU harmonisation legislation.
Contents
What is EU declaration of conformity?
With the EU declaration of conformity, the manufacturer or its authorised representative takes responsibility for ensuring that a product meets the requirements of the relevant EU directives and regulations, for example on machinery, electrical equipment or electromagnetic compatibility. It is the basis for CE marking. Unlike a certificate, it is not confirmation by an independent body but a self-declaration by the manufacturer.
Typical contents are the unambiguous identification of the product, the manufacturer's name and address, the legislation and harmonised standards applied, where applicable the notified body involved, and the place, date and signature. The exact mandatory information follows from the legislation concerned.
For partly completed machinery intended for incorporation, EU machinery legislation requires not a declaration of conformity but a declaration of incorporation. For spare parts, whether a declaration of conformity is required at all depends on the product: a motor or valve with its own function may fall under it, a simple standard part usually does not.
In practice: maintenance and procurement
For spare parts bearing CE marking, the declaration of conformity should be requested with the quotation or at the latest with delivery and checked against the nameplate and item description. In the case of modifications or replacement with differing parts, it must be checked whether the plant's existing declaration remains valid.
Synonyms and abbreviations: EC declaration of conformity · declaration of conformity · DoC · CE declaration · EU DoC
Frequently asked questions
Is an EU declaration of conformity a certificate?
No. The declaration of conformity is a declaration with which the manufacturer itself confirms that its product complies with EU law. A certificate, by contrast, is issued by an independent body, such as a notified body after type examination. Such a certificate may be part of the conformity assessment procedure, but it does not replace the manufacturer's declaration.
Who issues the EU declaration of conformity?
It is issued by the manufacturer or by its authorised representative established in the EU. Anyone who places a product on the market under their own name or substantially modifies it may take on manufacturer obligations themselves. Distributors generally do not issue their own declaration, but must check that the required documents are available.
What is the difference between a declaration of conformity and a declaration of incorporation?
The declaration of conformity applies to complete products that meet all requirements and bear the CE marking. The declaration of incorporation is issued for partly completed machinery that is to be incorporated into another machine. It states which requirements have already been met; the conformity of the complete machine is later declared by its manufacturer.
What information does an EU declaration of conformity contain?
It usually contains the name and identification of the product, the manufacturer's name and address, the statement of sole responsibility, the EU legislation and standards applied, information on the notified body where applicable, and the place, date and signature. The specific mandatory information is laid down by the directive or regulation concerned.