CE marking

The CE marking is a symbol that identifies products that meet the essential requirements of the relevant European directives.

It indicates that a product meets the legal requirements in force in the European Union and is approved for free circulation within the European single market.

It is important to note that the CE mark is not a quality seal, but rather a verification that the product meets the safety, health and environmental protection requirements laid down in EU directives.

What is a CE marking?

The CE marking is an official mark that identifies products that meet the EU directives for their manufacture. Regulation (EC) No. 765/2008 defines the legal requirements under which products may be CE marked. It is a mandatory marking procedure for many products sold in the European market. The CE mark indicates that the manufacturer has carried out the necessary tests and conformity assessments to ensure that the product meets the relevant EU safety standards and norms.

Who is required to use the CE mark?

The obligation to use the CE marking lies with the product manufacturer who places the product on the market. The CE mark must be affixed to products that fall under a specific EU legal act. The manufacturer affixes the mark to the product ‘on their own authority’ and assumes responsibility for ensuring that all requirements of the relevant EU directives have been met. In particular, for electronic components, machines, devices or even consumer goods, the CE mark is a necessary proof for admission to sale in the EU internal market.

CE Marking in product responsibility

The application of the CE marking is a legal obligation for the manufacturer and contributes significantly to ensuring product safety and legality in the EU internal market. It is an important part of product responsibility, as it signals that the manufacturer has met all relevant standards, directives and safety requirements established for the European market.

It should be noted that CE marking is not only required for the approval of products in the single market, but can also be important for international trade. Companies that export their products to other countries often find that CE marking is an important proof of product quality and safety at the global level.

What does the CE marking consist of?

Structure of the CE Marking

• CE: The mark consists of the letters ‘CE’ which stand for ‘Communauté Européenne’ (European Community).
• Distributor: In addition to the letters ‘CE’, the marking must also include the name and address of the distributor (manufacturer or importer) of the product.
• External inspection authority: If the product has been subject to an external, designated inspection for conformity assessment, a four-digit identification number of this authority must be included in the labelling.

Size and visibility of the CE marking

The CE marking must be affixed to the product or packaging in a visible, legible and unambiguous manner. It should be printed in a minimum size of 5 mm, although this can be enlarged depending on the size of the product to ensure sufficient legibility. Particularly in the case of smaller components such as electronic components, care must be taken to ensure that the mark remains clearly visible despite the small size of the product.

Methods for applying the CE marking

The CE marking can be applied by various methods, depending on the type of product and the materials used. One modern method is to use an inkjet printer that applies the marking directly to the product's surface.

CE marking using direct inkjet marking

Inkjet direct marking is an efficient and precise method of applying the CE marking to electronic components and other products. This method applies the ink directly to the surface of the product, without the need for labels or stickers. Industrial inkjet printers enable fast, flexible and permanent marking that meets the requirements of CE marking.

Advantages of inkjet direct marking:

• Permanent labelling: the ink adheres well and is abrasion-resistant, ensuring that the labelling is long-lasting.
• High precision: inkjet printing enables precise positioning of the CE marking, even on small components or complex surfaces.
• Flexibility: Inkjet printers can mark various surface types, such as metal, plastic, glass or ceramics, making them a flexible solution for a wide range of products.
• Cost and time savings: No labels or stickers are required, reducing production costs and increasing productivity.

Summary

The CE marking is an essential mark of conformity for a product to the relevant EU directives. It ensures products are safe and compliant with European directives and is essential for the approval of many products on the market. Inkjet direct part marking is a practical and effective way of applying this labelling to products, particularly electronic components. By documenting the manufacturer's responsibility and testing by notified bodies, the CE mark ensures both the legality and the safety of the products.