CE Marking

The New Focus policy issued by the European Union has given rise to Community Directives that are intended to protect the health and safety of users, standardise the different conformity evaluation procedures for products, and remove any obstacles blocking their free circulation.

A product bearing a CE Marking indicates that it conforms to the requisites established by the Community Directives that are applicable based on the New Focus.

The CE Marking and Community Directives

There are two Community Directives (horizontal in nature) that are applicable to electric or electronic products, as described below:

• Low voltage Community Directive 73/23/CEE (LV), for electrical material which is operational at between 50 and 1000 V of alternating current or 75 and 1500 V of direct current.
• Electromagnetic Compatibility Community Directive 89/336/CEE (EMC), for devices susceptible to interference or those which electromagnetically affect other devices within range.

In addition, there are other vertical directives based on classification by industry that take precedence over those previously listed (such as CD 93/42/CEE for Health Products and CD 95/54/CE for motor vehicles and components); as well as others that are complemented by these directives (CD 98/37/CE for machines and CD 1999/5/CE for radio devices and telecommunication terminals).

CE Marking in the electric and electronic industry

• Telecommunications
• Electromedicine
• Motoring
• Domestic and Industrial Machinery
• IT devices
• Aerospace and Naval
• The electric and electronic industry in general (lighting, electrical appliances, toys, lifts, audio and video equipment, etc.).

CE Marking: the process to be followed

Verification of compliance with the required requisites

• Verification of the applicable Community Directives. It is advisable to follow the standardised regulations (voluntary).

Quality control during production

• Implementation of a Quality System is advisable (EMC and LT).

Technical report

• Written in one of the European Union languages.
• Open configuration.
• Done by the manufacturer.
• Informative content: technical specifications for the project, test reports, quality assurance plan for the production process and statement of conformity.
• At the disposal of the Competent Authorities (10 years from the latest date of commercialisation of the product for the majority of Directives).

Statement of conformity

• Signature (manufacturer, legal representative or whoever is responsible for commercialising the product).
• For a product or a product family.
• Included with the product depending on the directive applicable.

CE Marking

• Creating the CE Marking:
• Who? - The manufacturer
• When? - End of the control phase for the initial production process
• How? - Visible, legible, indelible. Private branding that could be confused with the CE marking is prohibited.
• Responsibility:
• The manufacturer, the legal representative in the EU or whoever is responsible for commercialising the product.

Advantages

Shorter response times and a flexible schedule. Personalised attention. Continuous support based on the client's requirements. Professionalism and experience. Well equipped. Accreditations and recognition.