A manufacturer’s logo indicating that a product complies with European Union directives and is authorized for marketing in the European Union is called a European Certificate (Conformité Européenne). These directives address issues related to product safety, health, and environmental protection.
By placing the CE mark on a product, the manufacturer declares that he has subjected the product to a proper conformity assessment before placing it on the market, either himself or by an inspection body appointed for this purpose. Thus, the product meets the legal requirements to be sold in the European Economic Area, which includes EU member states, EFTA countries (Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein), and Turkey.
The CE mark is reserved exclusively for the aforementioned products. Its use, location, shape, and color are strictly defined. All of this information can be found in Council of the European Union document 93/465/EEC. In short, not everyone can use the CE mark because it is not just a marketing element; it is a declaration of product safety. Improper or unauthorized use of the CE mark on products that do not meet the required guidelines is subject to penalties.
Following the introduction of European Union directives on CE certification, “alternative” CE logos have appeared on various products. These logos were mainly found on counterfeit products and “equally good” Far Eastern products. The so-called “China Export” mark is extremely similar to the European certificate and can be misleading. These products are usually cheaper than those with the proper certification and are often visually appealing, but do they meet safety standards? This is not apparent to the naked eye; to determine this, the product would have to undergo rigorous testing. It is certainly safe to assume that they do not meet any safety requirements.
We caution you against products bearing the China Export mark. Security is not worth compromising. Let’s build safely together!
