To facilitate free trade and ensure the safety of certain products, European countries have developed a series of standards, or Directives as they are called. Compliance is mandatory. It is a legal obligation on the part of the manufacturer or his agent. Penalties for failing to get CE-marking for a product can be severe.
If you wish to sell your products within the European Union member states and the European Economic Area, the product in question must comply with the Directive(s). This also applies if you are a manufacturer who wants to export products into the European Member countries.
The Directives replace individual country standards as they relate principally to the safety of these products.
What products do the Directives cover?
The Directives apply to a wide range of products. The most notable products that likely need CE-marking are:
- pressure equipment
- machinery of almost any description
- electrical and electronic equipment
- medical devices and equipment
- personal protective equipment
- equipment for use in potentially explosive environments
There are certain exclusions, but if you manufacture any of the above types of equipment or products then one or more of the Directives almost certainly apply. Contact your local DNV office for more specific information on how to obtain copies of the Directives.
Where is CE-marking required?
CE-marking compliance is a legal requirement in the European Union member states and the European Economic Area countries. The countries are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lichtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxemburg
- Malta
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- The Netherlands
- UK
Other countries are likely to adopt the Directives in the future.
Where do I go from here?
To get on the road to compliance you should proceed to complying with directives.
