Author (markbrown). Submitted on Thu, 18 Aug 2011
If you are a manufacturer and have plans of entering the heavy industries, then surely are going to buy and sell machinery and equipment for your business. Whatever the case may be, any business that has invested time, money, and effort into developing their products need some form of certification that ensures what they are manufacturing conform to quality and safety standards.
Any machinery, equipment, or vehicle you manufacture or market in the European Union must have a CE proofing as a form of guarantee that these products comply with the requirements set by the European Union. This is a type of mandatory mark of conformity, assuring that the product has undergone the necessary testing and quality control checks of the EC directives. This CE mark is usually required in products manufactured in the European Economic Area (EEA).
The acronym CE stands for “Conformité Européenne.” Translated in English, CE stands for “European Conformity.” The mark has been in existence since 1993, and has become a key indicator of a product’s compliance to European Union law. Products with the said mark are able to be moved and shipped freely within the European market. This also applies to products made in non–EEA countries but are sold in Europe.
The CE mark, however, does not mean that the product was manufactured in the EEA. It merely states that the product has been assessed before being sold in the European market, thus satisfying any legislative requirements that are in place. Also, not all products require a CE proofing. Only those products subject to directives are required to be CE marked.
For instance, CE proofing is required for products bought and used by professionals (e.g. medical and surgical implements, machinery, and measuring equipment), as well as consumer goods (e.g. toys, mobile phones, light bulbs, and personal computers). For European manufacturers and exporters to EEA countries, there are several processes that have to be followed before a product gains the CE mark.
A manufacturer can affix the CE proofing to its products, but it has to take certain obligatory steps before the products can bear the CE mark. The product manufacturer has to carry out a conformity assessment, set up a technical file, and sign a European Commission (EC) declaration of conformity. Any documentation has to be made available upon the authorities’ request.
If you have questions, please visit us at www.gablemarine.com for complete details and answers.