Once the CE mark is applied to a product, it is considered to meet the regulatory requirements for all countries of the European Union as well as the European free Trade Area countries. The CE mark is not required on products that will be temporarily imported to the EU for exhibition in trade shows. However, upon the date it becomes mandatory for a certain product to have the CE mark, the product must meet all requirements and have all documentation in place or risk sever penalties. Aside from customs officials, others are monitoring if firms are complying with the directives. Your competitors may alert EU authorities to misuse of the mark.
Directives outline essential requirements for products in each category.
The requirements are specified in harmonized European standards. It is important to note that a product may be required to meet the essential requirements of more than one directive. There are eight different ways to obtain the CE mark, ranging from the simplest method of self-certification to the more complicated methods involving third party audits. The eight different paths are called modules which cover both the design and production phases of manufacturing. Certification that a product meets all applicable directives is issued by a notified or competent body.