In the European Union (EU), electronics manufacturers, importers, and sellers must be aware of several mandatory product labels. One of the most important is the CE mark, which serves as a gatekeeper for EU market access and is required under CE marking regulations for many product categories. Many products must bear the CE marking before they can be sold in the EU – no matter where they are manufactured. In simple terms, the CE mark shows that a product meets EU product safety regulations and essential standards for health and environmental protection. It is not a quality seal or a mark of origin, but a confirmation of compliance with EU law. This article will explain what the CE mark is, who needs it, how to get CE marking, and why it’s so important for businesses and consumers.

What is the CE mark?

The CE marking symbol appears on many products. It indicates the product meets EU safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. In other words, the CE marking is the manufacturer’s declaration that the product complies with all relevant European legislation. It is required for products made anywhere in the world if those products are to be marketed in the EU. However, CE marking is not an indicator of quality or certification by authorities – it simply signifies conformity to EU regulations.

Who needs CE marking in the EU?

You need to add (“affix”) the CE mark if:

• You manufacture products in the EU
• You’re an importer selling products into the EU (e.g. on Amazon)
• You sell or distribute products that must have CE marking

Don’t use the CE mark if your product doesn’t require it. That’s against the law.

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Which products need CE marking?

CE marking is only required for certain categories of products that are covered by EU laws (called “directives” or “regulations”). If your product falls under one of these, CE marking is mandatory.

CE marking applies to:

• Most electronics and electrical equipment (like phones, chargers, monitors)
• Toys
• Household appliances
• Medical devices
• Machinery and tools
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g. helmets, masks)
• Measuring instruments, pressure equipment, and more

CE marking does not apply to:

• Furniture
• Food or cosmetics
• Chemicals (these have different labels)

It’s forbidden to put the CE mark on a product unless it’s required by EU law.

If you’re unsure, always check if your product is covered by an EU directive. That’s the only way to know if CE marking is needed.

How to get a CE mark

You don’t need a license to use the CE mark, but you do need to follow the right process:

• Check the rules

Find out which EU laws (called directives or regulations) apply to your product. These laws define which requirements your product must meet.

• Test your product

Your product must comply with the safety and performance standards set by those laws. For some simple products, you can do the testing yourself (this is called CE self-declaration). For others, especially more complex or higher-risk products, testing must be done by a special EU-approved lab called a notified body.

• Prepare documents

You need to collect all technical documents that show your product is compliant. This is called a “technical file” and includes test results, product specifications, safety info, and user instructions.

• Sign a Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

This is a legal document where you declare your product meets all EU rules. It includes your company details, product information, and applicable directives. Importers must keep a copy of this document for 10 years.

• Put the CE mark on your product

Once everything is ready, place the CE mark on your product. It must be clear, visible, and permanent. If the product is too small, you can put the CE mark on the packaging or in the manual.

How to affix the CE mark

Once your product is compliant, you must place the CE marking correctly. Here’s how to do it right:

• The CE marking must be visible, readable, and permanent. It cannot be a sticker that peels off easily.
• The mark must consist of the initials “CE” in the official format. Both letters must be the same vertical size, and the height must be at least 5 mm (unless otherwise specified for your product type).
• You can resize the CE mark, but you must keep the proportions of the original logo. It can be printed in color, black and white, solid, or outlined — as long as it remains easy to see.
• If it’s not possible to put the CE marking directly on the product (for example, the product is too small), you may place it on the packaging or in the accompanying documentation.
• If your product complies with multiple EU regulations that require CE marking, the supporting documents must clearly state that the product meets all relevant rules.

Using the CE mark properly is just as important as complying with the rules. Incorrect use could lead to your product being removed from the market.

Take CE compliance seriously. It’s not only about avoiding fines — it’s also about protecting your customers, your brand, and your long-term success in Europe.

Do you need an independent assessment?

Not all products require third-party certification. First, check the EU rules for your product category. If needed, you must involve a notified body — an independent lab that tests and certifies compliance.

If you use a notified body, you must include its ID number next to the CE mark. These can be placed separately but must appear clearly linked.

If your product doesn’t require a notified body, you can assess compliance yourself — this is called CE self-declaration. You still need to check safety risks and document compliance properly.

You can search for notified bodies in the EU’s NANDO database.

Do you need to pay any fees?

If you carry out the CE assessment yourself, no fees apply.

If a notified body is required by law, you will have to pay for their services. The cost depends on the type of product and how complex the testing is.

Want to explore country-specific labeling rules?
If you’re selling in France or Spain, make sure you’re also familiar with national requirements like the Triman symbol and Spain’s new packaging rules.

How long is CE marking valid?

The CE marking has no fixed expiry date, but the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) must be kept up to date.

If anything changes — like your product design, contact details, or the law — you must update the DoC.

Importers are required to keep a copy of the DoC for 10 years after the product is placed on the EU market.

Why CE marking matters for EPR and EU compliance

For any company entering the EU market — whether from Europe or abroad — CE marking is essential. It allows you to sell legally, avoid customs issues, and show customers your product meets European safety standards.

If your product also falls under EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) rules — like electronics, electrical appliances, or packaging — you must comply with both CE and EPR requirements. These are separate systems, but often apply together.

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