European Union

Regulatory agency

European Commission (EC)

Regulations

• CE marking¹, according to EU Directives, is mandatory.
• DoC is sufficient but certification is recommended for the marketing.
• Product safety testing is required.
• Compliance with European EN standards.

EMC:

•  CE marking according to EMC Directive.

Guidelines

CE marking procedure:

• Identify the directives that apply to the product. If more than one applies, all must be complied with.
• Determine the extent to which the product complies with the requirements of the applicable directive(s).
• Choose the conformity assessment procedure² based on the directive for your product.

¹ 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.
² Conformity Assessment Procedure options for products with minimal risk include DoC while products with greater risks may require tests, audits or additional certificates from a Notified Body.

Regulatory agency

European Commission (EC)

Regulations

• CE marking according to telecom and wireless directives.

• DoC is sufficient but certification is recommended for marketing; but 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.

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• The Energy-related Products (ErP) Directive has repealed the Energy-using Products (EuP) Directive, extending the scope of eco-design requirements to all ErPs.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 labelling 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 March 1st 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.

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.

Applicable product categories

Product categories requiring CE marking include:

• Cableway equipment

• Electrical products

• Gas appliances

• Medical devices

• Telecommunications equipment

• Toys

A full list of product categories may be found here.

Product groups with regulations according to the ErP Directive include:

• Circulators

• Consumer electronics (televisions)

• Electric motors

• External power supplies

• Household refrigerating appliances

• Non-directional household lamps

• Simple set-top boxes

• Standby and off-mode losses

• Tertiary sector lighting

To determine if a particular product is subject to the above regulations, please contact us.

5 product groups of household appliances with "rescaled" labels: 

1. Dishwashers
2. Electronic displays, including televisions monitors and digital signage displays
3. Lamps

4. Refrigerators, including wine storage fridges

5. Washing machines and washer-driers

Various types depending on countries.