Successful exporting to Europe with CE marking expertise
CE Marking for Industrial Equipment and Products
Our team of specialist compliance engineers offer proven and reliable CE marking solutions to meet your European regulatory requirements.
The CE mark affixed on a product or machine identifies it as complying with all the safety requirements established by the European Union. CE marking is a mandatory requirement and not a voluntary process. Apave Machinery unit helps thousands of manufacturers to meet CE certification requirements. We work together with your company at any stage of the CE marking process. Our engineers will determine the applicable EN standards and European directives applicable for your machine, ensuring that your CE Mark is valid and legal.
As an accredited European Third Party, our certification services will provide you and your customers the assurance of a comprehensive and successful certification process, including inspections and testing for all types of industrial equipment and products.
Our Key Benefits:
- Nationwide CE Marking Services: Support provided wherever your facilities are located.
- On-Site Testing: All necessary electrical testing and noise measurements performed on-site at your facility.
- Detailed Reporting: Examination and test reports that include technical solutions for every identified non-compliance.
- Global Reach: Extensive coverage backed by the Apave network of offices throughout Europe.
Why Is CE Marking Mandatory?
CE marking is mandatory for products sold on the European market. It certifies that your product meets all established safety requirements by complying with applicable European directives and relevant European standards used. Without it, your equipment may be held up at customs, pulled from the market, or subject to heavy fines.
- A Legal Requirement: This is not a voluntary process; it is a mandatory obligation for exporting to EU member states.
- Market Simplification: Instead of navigating disparate national laws, CE marking grants you access to the entire European Single Market. Since these regulations are subject to change, it is critical to stay up to date with the latest European directives.
As an independent third party, we meet the strict criteria required to conduct conformity assessments. Our highly qualified and experienced professionals provide your company with the necessary technical and administrative solutions to achieve full compliance.
Our End-to-End Support
We are here to support you at any stage of the compliance and certification process. The Apave Machinery unit compliance report guarantees a thorough and successful CE certification project for both you and your customers.
As a European Third Party and Notified Body, we provide expert engineers to secure your market entry.
- Design Analysis & Strategy: Identifying applicable directives (Machinery, Low Voltage, EMC, etc.) and relevant EN standards.
- On-Site Testing & Examinations: Electrical testing conducted directly at your facilities. On-site examinations and safety tests, technical assistance, and documentation verification.
- Technical File: Assistance in preparing and securely archiving your technical documentation (mandatory for 10 years).
- Declaration of Conformity: Support for final drafting and signing the certification of compliance.
- Authorized Representative (EU Authorized Representative): Local contact solutions in Europe to liaise with competent authorities.
European Directives define what must be done; Standards explain how it can be done. A harmonized standard must align with the essential requirements of the relevant Directive.
A European standard may contain provisions related to both essential requirements and other provisions; in such cases, these must be clearly distinguished from those covering the essential requirements. Furthermore, a harmonized standard does not necessarily cover every essential requirement. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to use other relevant technical specifications to meet all essential requirements of the Directive.
There are thousands of standards (available as drafts or harmonized versions). Safety standards are generally divided into three categories:
- Type A Standards (Fundamental Safety Requirements): Basic concepts that apply to all product categories.
- Type B Standards (Group Safety Standards): Safety aspects applicable to a wide range of products.
- Type C Standards (Product Safety Standards): Detailed safety requirements for a specific product or group of products.
The new Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 was adopted on 14 June 2023. The regulation is based on a common legislative framework for all products on marketing, accreditation and market surveillance (Decision 768/2008 and Regulation 1020/2019).
- It lays down specific technical health and safety requirements for the design of machinery.
- It will replace the Machinery Directive on 20 January 2027.
- It defines new Annex III technical requirements to take account of the risks associated with new technologies (Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity,...).
- It supplements or clarifies certain existing requirements in the directive.
The Compliance Process
- Initial Audit
Initial Audit
- Risk Analysis
Risk Analysis
- Testing & Reports
Testing & Reports
- Marking & Export
Marking & Export
- Initial Audit
Initial Audit
- Risk Analysis
Risk Analysis
- Testing & Reports
Testing & Reports
- Marking & Export
Marking & Export
- Initial Audit
Initial Audit
- Risk Analysis
Risk Analysis
- Testing & Reports
Testing & Reports
- Marking & Export
Marking & Export
Your questions
-
What is a Declaration of Conformity?
It is a signed commitment from the manufacturer proving the equipment meets European laws. This document is required by customs authorities and must be provided to the end user operating the equipment. -
Can we list our customer, sales representative, or distributor on our Declaration of Conformity?
When choosing a company to serve as your EU Authorized Representative or your Authorized EU Contact for compiling the Technical File, consider the following:
- You may not want your customer or distributor to be contacted by authorities or be involved in your confidential Technical File.
- Ensure they accept this responsibility in writing and that their name and address appear on your Declaration of Conformity.
- Consider the confidential and proprietary nature of your technical information.
- The EU representative must remain available for at least ten years.
-
What is a Technical File?
Essentially, it is the proof that your equipment complies with all requirements. It includes technical documentation (drawings, diagrams, etc.), risk assessments, third-party reports, test results, operation and maintenance manuals, and a copy of the Declaration of Conformity. -
Where should my Technical File be stored?
It can stay in your home country but must be accessible to European authorities for 10 years. -
Which directives apply to my equipment?
For a standard packaging machine, at least three directives usually apply: the Machinery Directive, the Low Voltage Directive, and the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive. Depending on the environment (residential, industrial, etc.), different standards may apply. Apave Machinery unit will determine all specific requirements for your product. -
What happens if we export equipment to the EU without complying with the directives?
Enforcement is handled by individual EU member states. Manufacturers can face heavy fines and criminal penalties. Current and future products could be banned from the market.
Why choose
Apave?
A COMPREHENSIVE OFFERING TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS
+ OVER 150 YEARS' EXPERIENCE IN RISK MANAGEMENT
A LOCAL NETWORK
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