Conformité Européenne (CE), French for European conformity, certification is a crucial compliance requirement for products sold or shipped within the European Union (EU), ensuring they meet relevant safety, health, and environmental standards. If you're dealing with product certifications, particularly CE certification, this guide provides essential steps for verification and important considerations.
Products That Commonly Require CE Marking
CE marking is typically required for products such as:
Electronics and electrical devices
Toys
Medical devices
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Machinery
Radio and wireless equipment
Cosmetics (with specific compliance requirements)
If a product falls under EU Directives or Regulations, CE marking is required.
Verifying CE Certification Status
You can determine a product’s CE certification status through the following methods:
1. Direct Inquiry with the Supplier Through Zendrop Support
For certain products, suppliers may be able to confirm the availability of CE certification. However, in some cases, certificates are only provided after an order has been placed. Zendrop can assist users in requesting CE certificates by communicating directly with suppliers.
Additionally, if certifications are not explicitly listed, Zendrop’s warehouse team can assist by checking the availability of compliance documents and providing relevant updates once obtained.
2. Absence of Certification Information
In some cases, products in the Zendrop catalog may be confirmed as not having CE certification. This is often because CE marking is not required for products that are not intended for the European market. When certifications are missing, you can explore Zendrop's catalog for alternative products or suppliers that provide required certifications. Additionally, placing a sample order to verify the certification printed on the packaging can serve as another solution.
Steps to Handle Missing Certifications
Search for Alternatives:
Utilize Zendrop's catalog to find compliant products, and request confirmation of certification availability from Zendrop.
Focus on products where suppliers often adhere to compliance standards.
Place a Sample Order:
Verify certifications through samples if marks like CE are printed on the product packaging.
Switch Categories/Suppliers:
Shift focus to suppliers or categories more likely to offer certified products, like those from specific regions with stricter compliance outputs.
Key Documents to Verify CE Compliance
1. Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
This is the most important document.
A valid DoC should include:
Manufacturer or importer name and address
Product description and model/SKU
List of applicable EU Directives/Regulations
Harmonized standards used (e.g., EN standards)
Signature, name, and date
If a supplier cannot provide a DoC, the product should be treated as non-compliant.
2. Test Reports
These support the DoC and are usually issued by a testing laboratory.
Check that:
The test report matches the exact product model
The lab is legitimate (ISO/IEC 17025 accredited is preferred)
The report references EU standards (EN standards)
Note: A CE logo alone is not proof of compliance.
Common Cases of Uncertified Products
It’s important to know that not all products are CE-certified or may lack clarity on their certification status. Factors contributing to this include:
Lack of adherence to regulatory requirements by the manufacturer.
Absence of demand for certification in non-EU markets.
Difference Between CE and Other Certifications
CE: Mandatory for EU market access
FCC: Required for radio/electronics in the US
RoHS: Restriction of hazardous substances (often required alongside CE)
UKCA: UK equivalent of CE (post-Brexit)
A product may need multiple certifications, depending on where it’s sold.
Conclusion
Understanding the CE certification status of a product can prevent regulatory or logistical challenges, particularly within the EU. Always confirm certification details before purchase where possible, and verify any conditions for obtaining compliance documents. For further assistance, contact the Zendrop Support team.