CE marking and product safety

In short: The CE marking shows that the manufacturer declares that a product meets EU requirements for safety, health and environmental protection. It is not a quality seal.

In more detail: The manufacturer (or importer) assesses conformity itself or has a notified body check it. It draws up a declaration of conformity and technical documentation. The mark may only be affixed if all applicable EU directives are met (for example low voltage, EMC, radio equipment, RoHS).

In Depth

• Mandatory for: electrical devices, toys, machines, radio equipment, medical devices and many more.
• Not for: food, cosmetics (their own rules).
• Consumers: Look at manufacturer details, instructions in German, warnings and marks such as GS (tested safety).
• Fake CE: A “China Export” mark looks almost the same (closer letters).
• Recall: Unsafe products are reported via portals such as “Safety Gate” (EU) and lebensmittelwarnung.de.
• Online trade: Platforms and sellers must offer safe products; the marketplace can be liable.

See also: E-waste and disposal, Warranty and statutory guarantee