With the CE marking the EU has developed an innovative instrument and enables the free movement of products within the EU market. Since 1993 the CE marking indicates a product’s compliance with EU legislation. This ensures satisfaction with legal health and safety as well as environmental protection requirements.
Having a CE marking on a product, the manufacturer declares on his sole responsibility, conformity with all the legal requirements to achieve CE marking. Therefore it ensures validity for that product to be sold throughout the EEA. The same applies to products made in third countries but sold in the EEA.
CE marking states that the product is assessed before being placed on the market and, as such, satisfied the essential legislative requirements including health and safety and environmental protection requirements to be sold throughout. Of course, importers and distributors also play an important role in making sure that only products which comply with the legislation and bear the CE marking are placed on the market. This ensures health and safety and environmental protection, and supports fair competition with all players being held accountable to the same rules.
We set out below an outline of steps required to establish if CE marking is required.
The relevant national legislation is Law on Basic Requirements to be fulfilled by Specific Categories of Products as amended, most recently in 2013. The Law sets out inter alia the general principles governing the implementation of the legislation, general obligations of all actors, the procedure for assessment of compliance as well as approved notified bodies. Additional regulations are issued in accordance with particular industries.
As a result, all relevant stakeholders ranging from manufacturer to user, have to comply with the CE marking. Particularly during these challenging times, all actors must take greater caution to ensure public health and safety and environmental protection, in the interest of current and future generations.
RELATED INSIGHTS FROM OUR ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICE GROUP
OUR ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICE GROUP
The Environmental Practice Group of our firm advises on a broad variety of local, EU and international environmental and natural resources matters, and supports our clients in compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
Given the background and focus of our founder in environmental and natural resources law, corporate responsibility and sustainability will always remain a priority for the firm. We are committed to respecting the economy, our community and the environment, in the interests of current and future generations.
Our ethics and integrity are vital to preserve our culture, initiatives and principles.
Please find below an outline of the services offered by our Environmental Practice Group.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any question or require any assistance in such matters.