The purpose of CE marking

The CE marking is a conformity marking consisting of the letters "CE", and taking the form as shown here. CE is an abbreviation for "Conformité Européenne", French for "European Conformity".

The CE marking symbolizes that a product it is affixed to is in conformity with all relevant essential requirements, and that the product compliance has been established using the appropriate conformity assessment procedure(s). The ‘essential requirements’ refer, among other things, to safety, public health and consumer protection.

CE marking is obligatory for any product covered by one or more of the so-called European "New Approach Directives". Without the CE marking, these products are not allowed to be placed or to be put into service in the European Economic Area. In this regard, the CE marking sometimes is called a "trade passport", because like carrying a passport when entering a country, the CE Marking is required for market access.