Product Certification
Product certification is the process of certifying that a product has passed performance tests and quality assurance tests in order to meet the necessary local, national or international quality standards relevant to a particular market or product set. For many manufacturers, importers and wholesalers, having the correct product certification can be critical to ensuring ongoing commercial success and maintaining competitive advantage. Some certification schemes are mandatory and subject to legal enforcement. Testing and certification in this circumstance can help you avoid financial risk, prosecution, harm to your reputation and claims for compensation and damages.
Product Certification
Product Certification
The CE mark (above) is a symbol that a manufacturer (see definition below) affixes to a product so that it can be sold in Europe. The mark is mandatory for products which fall under one of 24 European directives. The CE mark means that the manufacturer takes responsibility for the compliance of a product with all applicable European health, safety, performance and environmental requirements. CE stands for “Conformité Européenne,” the French for European conformity. The mark is required in all 27 member states of the EU, as well as Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. Switzerland accepts the CE mark for some products and Turkey actually requires that many products be CE marked.
What is a directive?
A directive is a legislative act of the European Union which requires member states to adapt their national laws to achieve a particular result that is harmonized to EU rules in this area. For example, the EU directive for products which fall under the electromagnetic compatibility category (directive number 2004/108/EC) calls for member states to ensure that electrical devices that fall under this category meet certain requirements:
The EMC directive first limits electromagnetic emissions of equipment in order to ensure that, when used as intended, such equipment does not disturb radio and telecommunication as well as other equipment. The directive also governs the immunity of such equipment to interference and seeks to ensure that this equipment is not disturbed by radio emissions when used as intended.
European Commission No. / Code of Directive Title of Directive 73/23/EEC Low voltage 87/404/EEC Simple pressure vessels 88/378/EEC Safety of toys 89/336/EEC Electromagnetic compatibility 89/686/EEC Personal protective equipment 90/384/EEC Non-automatic weighing instruments 90/385/EEC Active implantable medical devices 90/396/EEC Appliances burning gaseous fuels 93/15/EEC Explosives for civil uses 93/42/EEC Medical devices 94/9/EC Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres 94/25/EC Recreational craft 95/16/EC Lifts 96/48/EC Interoperability of the Trans-European high-speed rail system 97/23/EC Pressure equipment 98/37/EC Machinery 98/79/EC In vitro diagnostic medical devices 99/5/EC Radio and telecommunications terminal equipment 89/106/EEC Construction Products 88/378/EEC Hot Water Boilers fired with liquid or gaseous Fuels 2000/9/EC Cableway Installations The CE mark demonstrates that the product meets the requirements of relevant European directives.
It is mandatory for a wide range of products sold within or exported to the European CE mark on a products Indicates to government/s that the product can be legally sold within the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Area (EFTA).
- Ensures the product can move freely throughout the European Single Market.
- Indicates to customers that the product meets designated safety standards.
- Promotes public health and safety.
- Enhances product credibility.
- Leads to improved sales and greater customer satisfaction CE Mark is the manufacturer’s claim that the product meets the essential requirements of all relevant European Directives.
CE Mark compliance is legally enforced requirement for the European Union member states and the European Economic Area countries.