European Union

Various types depending on countries.

Regulatory agency

• European Commission (EC)

Regulations

• CE marking*, according to EU Directives, is mandatory.
• DoC is sufficient but certification is recommended for marketing.
• Product safety testing is required.
• Compliance with European EN standards.

* CE marking is not a certification, approval or quality mark, but a manufacturer’s declaration that the product meets the essential requirements of the respective directives. Most EU Directives require CE marking.

Regulatory agency

• European Commission (EC)

Regulations

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

• The Energy-related Products (ErP) Directive has repealed the Energy-using Products (EuP) Directive, extending the scope of eco-design requirements to all ErPs.
• The EC is still reviewing its effectiveness. For product categories with regulations in force, CE marking applies.
• New energy efficiency labels adopted for 6 product groups. 5 product groups of household appliances with "rescaled" labels. A new labeling product group for refrigerating appliances with a direct sales function used in shops and vending machines. These new labels will be visible for European consumers in physical stores and on-line as of 1 March 2021.

RoHS & WEEE

• RoHS is a CE marking directive. Even though WEEE is not a CE marking directive, products must comply with the RoHS and WEEE Directives where applicable.
• Manufacturers must register compliance in target countries.

Regulatory agency

European Commission (EC)

Regulations

• CE marking according to telecom and wireless directives.
• DoC is sufficient but certification is recommended for marketing. Where there is lack of harmonised standards, it is necessary for manufacturers to engage a Notified Body³.

³Notified bodies are organisations that have been accredited by EU Member States to serve as independent test laboratories to access whether products meet the requirements of product directives. They must have the necessary qualifications to meet the testing requirements set forth in the directives.

GUIDELINES

CE marking procedure:

• Select the applicable product standards and test methods for your product and select an independent laboratory.
• Compile the technical documentation for your product in order to prove that your product is in compliance with the applicable directive. 
• Prepare a DoC declaring that the product fulfils the requirements of the applicable directive(s) with the legally binding signature of the manufacturer. 
• After certification from the Notified Body has been granted, affix the CE mark to your product. There are specific rules to adhere to in CE marking.