// GLOSSARY
CE Marking
The CE marking is a mandatory conformity marking for products placed on the EU market. It indicates that the manufacturer has assessed the product against all applicable EU legislation and that the product meets the essential requirements. CE marking is required for ESPR products after conformity assessment is completed.
Truth Anchor: This definition is based on Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 (ESPR) and related EU legislation. Source: EUR-Lex CELEX:32024R1781
Legal Basis
The CE marking is governed by Regulation (EC) 765/2008 on accreditation and market surveillance and Decision 768/2008/EC on a common framework for the marketing of products. The CE marking is not a quality mark or a safety certification — it is a declaration by the manufacturer that the product meets all applicable EU legislation.
CE Marking Under ESPR
ESPR products that have completed conformity assessment must bear the CE marking. The CE marking indicates compliance with all applicable ESPR requirements, including the Digital Product Passport requirements. The CE marking must be affixed to the product or its packaging in a visible, legible, and indelible manner. The minimum height of the CE marking is 5mm.
CE Marking and the EU Declaration of Conformity
The CE marking must be accompanied by an EU Declaration of Conformity (EU DoC). The EU DoC is a document signed by the manufacturer (or Authorised Representative) that lists all the EU legislation the product complies with and the conformity assessment procedures used. The EU DoC must be kept on file for ten years and must be made available to market surveillance authorities on request.
Market Surveillance
Market surveillance authorities in EU Member States verify CE marking compliance through market checks, product testing, and document reviews. Products found to be non-compliant can be removed from the market, and manufacturers can face penalties. The CE marking creates a legal presumption of conformity, but this presumption can be rebutted by market surveillance authorities who find evidence of non-compliance.
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CE Marking: What It Means and What It Does Not Mean
The CE marking is a declaration by the manufacturer that the product meets the requirements of all applicable EU legislation. It is not a quality mark, a safety certification, or a third-party endorsement — it is a self-declaration of conformity. The CE marking does not mean that the product has been tested by an independent laboratory or approved by a government authority (unless the applicable legislation requires third-party involvement, such as a notified body assessment). The CE marking enables the free movement of products within the EU single market — a product bearing the CE marking can be placed on the market in any EU member state without additional national approval. The CE marking is required for products covered by EU harmonisation legislation, including ESPR delegated acts.
CE Marking Under ESPR: New Requirements
ESPR adds new requirements to the CE marking framework. Under ESPR, the CE marking on a product covered by an ESPR delegated act also attests to compliance with the ESPR ecodesign requirements — including the Digital Product Passport requirement. This means that a product bearing the CE marking after the ESPR compliance deadline for its product category must have a functioning DPP accessible via a QR code or NFC tag. Market surveillance authorities will check the DPP as part of their CE marking enforcement activities. A product with a CE marking but no functioning DPP is non-compliant with ESPR and can be ordered to be withdrawn from the market.