Short answer
By affixing CE marking, the manufacturer declares that the product complies with all applicable EU legislation requiring the mark. No central EU authority issues a general CE certificate.
Key takeaways
- Identify the product and intended use
- Establish all applicable legislation
- Complete the correct conformity procedure
- Finalise risk assessment and technical documentation
- Sign the EU declaration
- Check placement and traceability information
This content is a practical overview, not legal advice. Always verify the current legislation and the requirements that apply to your product. Research uses official primary sources; competitor content is used only to identify questions and content gaps.
Only CE mark products that are covered
CE marking is mandatory only where harmonised product legislation requires it. A product may fall under several acts at once. If no applicable act requires CE, the mark must not be used.
The manufacturer builds the evidence chain
The work includes applicability, essential requirements, risk assessment, standards, testing, technical documentation, and the EU declaration. A notified body is involved only when the applicable legislation and module require it.
Documentation must support the mark
The CE mark should trace to an identified product version, a signed EU declaration, and technical evidence. Documents must remain current and are normally retained for at least ten years unless product legislation says otherwise.
Common misconceptions
Common errors include CE marking products that should not be marked, relying on component certificates, missing parallel legislation, or treating a voluntary test report as regulatory approval.
Check before affixing the mark
- Identify the product and intended use
- Establish all applicable legislation
- Complete the correct conformity procedure
- Finalise risk assessment and technical documentation
- Sign the EU declaration
- Check placement and traceability information
One coherent CE file
Verca structures project legislation, requirements, standards, documents, and signing. It provides decision support but does not CE mark the product or assume the manufacturer's legal responsibility.
Frequently asked questions
What does this mean in practice?
By affixing CE marking, the manufacturer declares that the product complies with all applicable EU legislation requiring the mark. No central EU authority issues a general CE certificate.
Who is responsible for the work?
CE marking is mandatory only where harmonised product legislation requires it. A product may fall under several acts at once.
What documentation is required?
The CE mark should trace to an identified product version, a signed EU declaration, and technical evidence. Documents must remain current and are normally retained for at least ten years unless product legislation says otherwise.
Official sources
Primary sources used for this guide.