EU Market Access

Introduced in 1995, CE marking was created to stimulate the free circulation of goods within the European Community. It is a mandatory legal conformity requirement for all products sold within the European Union that fall within the scope of a CE marking directive.

By affixing a CE marking to a product and signing the Declaration of Conformity, a legal manufacturer is declaring to the EU authorities that the requirements of all applicable directives have been met. Depending on the directive, involvement of a European Union ‘Notified Body’ may be mandatory for certain types of products.

TÜV SÜD Product Service assists companies to demonstrate their product's compliance with the requirements of applicable CE marking directives, by offering testing and certification in line with these requirements.

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• CE marked products may be legally sold within the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Area (EFTA) and can be traded freely within the European market consisting of 28 member states.
• Demonstrate commitment to minimum safety standards as legally mandated by EU Directives.
• Enhance your reputation and credibility with a TÜV SÜD Notified Body Mark – CE 0123.

• What does CE marking signify?
• CE marking indicates that the manufacturer has declared that the product or equipment complies with all applicable European Directives.
• Who can perform CE marking?
• The company that places the product or equipment on the market is responsible for declaring that the item is compliant with all applicable EU Directives and for placing the CE marking on the product or equipment. The responsibility for CE marking will fall on the manufacturer if the manufacturer is EU-based and selling products directly or on the manufacturer’s agent within the European Union if the manufacturer is based outside of the European Union. Third parties cannot apply the CE marking or make declarations of conformity unless they are responsible for placing the product in the EU.
• Who is responsible for affixing the CE marking?
• The manufacturer of a product is responsible for ensuring compliance with European Directives and for affixing the CE marking – irrespective of whether the manufacturer is located within or outside the European Union. To do this, manufacturers may appoint an authorised representative established in the European Union to act on their behalf. CE marking is generally a declaration by the manufacturer, importer, or the entity first placing the product on the market that the product conforms to the appropriate directives. This is confirmed by the legally binding signature on the Declaration of Conformity.
• I am a manufacturer, importer, or entity placing the product on the market. When do I have to affix the CE marking?
• As a manufacturer, importer, or entity first placing the product on the EU market, CE marking is mandatory if your product is covered by a CE marking Directive. By fixing the CE mark to your product, you are responsible for ensuring that your product complies with the requirements of all relevant EU Directives and for providing documentary evidence of conformity. If you fail to deliver the requisite evidence of conformity in your capacity as a manufacturer or importer, the competent market surveillance authority may prohibit you from placing your products on the market.