What does CE marking mean? What do the initials CE stand for?CE markingis a declaration by the manufacturer that the product meets all the appropriate provisions of the relevant legislation implementing certain "European Directives". "CE marking" gives companies easier access into the European market to sell their products without adaptation or rechecking. The initials "CE" do not stand for any specific words but are a declaration by the manufacturer that his product meets the requirements of the applicable European Directives. The actual CE Marking is the letters "CE" which a manufacturer affixes to certain products for access to the European market (consisting of 18 countries and also referred to as the European Economic Area or EEA). The letters "CE' are an abbreviation of a French phrase "Conformite Europeene". The marking indicates that the manufacturer has conformed with all the obligations required by the legislation. Initially, the phrase was "CE Mark": however, "CE Marking" was legislated as its replacement in 1993. "Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that the products they place on the market meet all relevant regulations. Where these regulations do not require mandatory certification, manufacturers often seek voluntary certification to assure themselves that their products do meet the requirements set by law." Please Note :

The CE Marking is not a quality-mark. First, it refers to the safety rather than to the quality of a product. Second, CE marking is mandatory for the product it applies to whereas most quality marking are voluntary.

Many people use the term CE Mark. Initially, this was the phrase used to indicate this conformity marking. However, CE mark was officially replaced by the term CE Marking in 1993. Thus, it is better to speak of CE Marking.

The main goals of the CE Marking are to :

• indicate a product's conformity with the "essential requirements" of the directives
• Allow products to be "placed on the market"
• Ensure the "free movement of goods"
• Allow the "withdrawal of non-conforming products" by customs and enforcement authorities

The CE Marking :is not a mark or certification or approval issued by a third party,

• is not simply a marketing or promotional tool
• is not a quality mark
• is not for components*

Although there are some exceptions, the vast majority of components do not need CE Marking