CE Marking
As part of the ‘New Approach Directive’ initiative, the European Commission introduced the CE mark as a mandatory mark that has to be applied to any product that calls up a Directive and that is intended for sale within the European Economic Area, (EEA). Although the CE mark indicates conformity with the principal elements of the Directives, it is not, however, a ‘Product Certification’ mark. Unlike ‘Product Certification’, a manufacturer is perfectly at liberty to affix a CE mark to his (electrical) product with no independent assessment at all. This is known as ‘self certification’. Whilst this may seem easy and convenient, it is of limited use if he then later has to defend himself against any legal action. It will also be dismissed by many retailers as insufficient evidence of compliance. As a UKAS accredited and ‘Notified’ body, Nemko can provide independent Test Reports to demonstrate compliance with the relevant standards, which should then be included in the manufacturer’s ‘Technical Documentation File’. CE marking a product based on such reports is of much greater value, both as a legal ‘insurance’ and also as a marketing tool. Nemko is well known throughout the UK and Europe for its Test Reports, and they are readily accepted by the retail trade.