Obtaining CE Certification is required for consumer safety reasons for certain products. This distinction certifies that a product has met European Union health, safety and environmental requirements. This is a necessity for someone working as an exporter, and there are specific certifications for boats, toys and more. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to determine whether there needs to be a CE marking. CE certification is the only way that manufacturers can export products into the EU. Therefore, it is important to start research well before you want to sell an item in Europe from the United States.
Instructions
1. Determine the tests required for the particular product you desire to export to the EU. For instance, medical equipment may be placed under stricter testing than another type of product. Confirm by doing specific research for the item or use the CE Directory, which includes a list of products that have already passed testing and are ready to sell overseas.
2. Use the Export.gov website to find out what licenses and regulations are applicable for your product. The guide provides directions for navigating the CE marking process. Under each directive, it details the CE marking certification step-by-step.
3. Find out if acquiring a self-certification marking is possible. An example includes most products covered by the Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive. You may use the Export.gov site "CE Marking -- Program Overview" for ordering standards information. If you are not permitted to self-certify your product, you must use the services of a testing laboratory that is affiliated with a "European Notified Body" to test and certify the product for the CE marking. The European Notified Body provides a Declaration of Conformity.
4. Maintain a file called a "technical file" containing the paperwork that proves conformity to the CE marking directive covering the product. Read the Technical File Procedures to determine what your product needs to meet the set standards.
