CE marking

CE marking is a declaration of a product's compliance with European Union (EU) legislation. It is a certification mark affixed to certain types of products that declares conformity with the applicable EU health, safety and environmental protection legislation and standards.

What is CE marking on products?

CE marking is a type of self-certification that shows that:

• the manufacturer has checked that the product meets EU legal requirements
• the product complies with EU legislation
• the product is free to move within the European market

CE marking does not mean the product was made in the European Economic Area (EEA). It simply asserts that the product can be legally sold within the EEA market.

CE mark logo

The official CE mark comprises the letters C and E. Their shape is based on a series of circles, with exact spacing between the letters.

Find example CE marking logos on the Europa website.

The mark should be affixed to the product. If this is not possible, it should be included on the packaging or accompanying documents.

What needs to be CE marked?

CE marking is mandatory for many types of products, such as electronics, toys, machinery, medical devices and vehicles, as well as many construction goods.

Not all products need to bear CE marking. Only those products for which EU product specifications exist must comply with the CE marking requirements.

If your product requires CE marking but doesn't conform to the relevant standards, you cannot sell it legally in the EEA countries. If your product doesn't require CE marking, it shouldn't carry the CE mark.

See more on products that need CE marking.

Who is responsible for CE marking?

If you are a manufacturer it is your responsibility to:

• carry out the conformity assessment
• set up the technical file
• issue the EC Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
• place CE marking on a product

If you are a distributor you must check the presence of both the CE marking and the necessary supporting documentation.

If you are importing a product that is from a third country you have to check that the manufacturer outside the EU has undertaken the necessary steps. You must check that the documentation is available.

Find out how to place CE marking on a product.