Product Categories Requiring CE Marking

CE Marking: Does Your Product Need It?

Post #18 in our CE compliance series

If you manufacture, import, or distribute products into the EU market, understanding whether CE marking applies to your product is critical. However, with multiple and complex directives and regulations, determining applicability can sometimes feel overwhelming.

So, which products require CE marking?

CE Marking: The Key Product Categories

The CE mark is mandatory for products covered by at least one of the following EU Directives or Regulations (NB this is very generic – consult an experienced compliance professional if you have any doubts as to what applies to your particular product):

? Electrical & Electronic Equipment → Low Voltage Directive (LVD), EMC Directive

? Wireless & Radio Devices → Radio Equipment Directive (RED)

? Machinery & Industrial Equipment → Machinery Directive

? Medical Devices → Medical Devices Regulation (MDR)

? Construction Products → Construction Products Regulation (CPR)

? Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) → PPE Regulation

? Toys, Gas Appliances, Pressure Equipment & More → Various directives

There may well be some overlap in the above for your particular product

What About Products That Aren’t CE Marked?

Not all EU product laws mandate CE marking (and be aware it is an offence to CE mark products which should not have the CE mark applied according to regulations – just because a competitor might be applying a CE mark to their product, doesn’t mean to say they are doing it correctly / legitimately!). For example:

• General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) – Covers consumer product safety but doesn’t require CE marking unless another directive applies.
• WEEE Directive (Electronic Waste Management) – Affects electronics disposal but doesn’t require a CE mark. The regulation that goes hand in hand with WEEE – RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) does require CE marking though! It can be a bit of a maze so take professional advice if in any doubt.

Why This Matters:

If your product falls under CE marking, it’s a legal requirement—without it, you cannot sell or distribute / place into service, in the EU. Misuse of the CE mark (or failing to comply) can lead to fines, recalls, and market bans.

Next up: Understanding EU Directives & Regulations – How they define CE compliance. Follow us for more information.