Electronic Product CE Certification Process

What is CE certification

CE certification is a mandatory market access system for the European Union. It provides unified technical specifications for products entering Europe and simplifies trade procedures. Any product sold in the EU and European Free Trade Area must complete CE certification and affix the ce marking.

Core Value of CE Certification:

• Legal access pass for products to enter the EU market

• Proves products comply with EU directive safety requirements

• Enhances consumer trust and reduces sales risks

Risks of Non-certification: Customs detention, market supervision penalties, and competitive allegations from industry peers.

Electronic Products Requiring CE Certification

The following electronic products must obtain CE certification before entering the EU market:

Judgment Principle: Almost all products with electronic circuits and powered by electricity exported to the EU require CE certification. Applicable directives are determined according to product functions.

Types of ce certificates

ce certification process for Electrical & Electronic Products

1. Application Submission — Fill in the application form, confirm product name, model, quantity and technical documents

2. Quotation & Review — Document review and cost confirmation

3. Product Testing — JJR LAB issues draft certificate after passing tests

4. Draft Confirmation — Applicant reviews, revises feedback and reconfirms

5. Certificate Issuance — Official certificate issued after final confirmation

Required Documents for CE Certification

1. Certification application form (including applicant information and product model)

2. Product user manual (technical parameters, instructions for use, emergency measures)

3. Structure drawing, schematic diagram and circuit diagram (reflecting creepage distance, clearance and insulation layer)

4. BOM list (name, manufacturer, model and parameters of components)

5. Copy of certificates for complete machine and components (valid certificates can exempt partial tests)

6. Description of differences among series models

7. Two test samples (one with the most complex structure & maximum power, one with minimum power)

8. Copy of business license, production license and organization code certificate

9. Other supporting documents

Note: All above documents must be provided in English version.

CE Certification Standards for Electronic Products

Common Directives

Common EMC Standards

EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) Test:

• Conducted Emission: EN 55011

• Radiated Emission: EN 55011

EMS (Electromagnetic Susceptibility) Test:

• Conducted Immunity: en 61000-4-6

• Radiated Immunity: EN 61000-4-3

• ESD Immunity: EN 61000-4-2

• EFT Burst Immunity: EN 61000-4-4

• Power Frequency Magnetic Field Immunity: EN 61000-4-8

• Surge Immunity: EN 61000-4-5

• Voltage Variation Immunity: EN 61000-4-11

Other Product Standards

Common LVD Standards

MD Machinery Directive Standards

• EN ISO 12100:2010

• EN 60204-1:2006+A1:2009+AC:2010

ce certification cost

Cost Depends On:

• Selected certification body

• Applicable product directives

• Number of test items

General Conditions:

• Ordinary electrical & electronic products: EMC + lvd directives

• Wireless products: Additional RED directive testing

• Mechanical products: Higher cost involving factory audit and evaluation

• Directive difference: Cost varies between single LVD and combined EMC+LVD

It is recommended to select directives based on actual product conditions and customer requirements. Affix CE marking only after passing all relevant directive tests.

CE Certification Cycle

Standard cycle: About 1 week (calculated from sample arrival at the laboratory, excluding rectification time).
Expedited service is available for urgent applications.

CE Validity & Annual Audit

Validity: CE certification has no fixed expiry date. Re-evaluation is required when product standards or regulations are updated.

Annual Audit: Generally not required. Certificates issued by NB bodies may require regular surveillance audits.

Differences Between CE and FCC Certification

Products exported to both Europe and North America need both certifications separately.

CE Marking Usage Specifications

• Size: Minimum height of 5mm; scale proportionally

• Position: Clearly marked on product body, packaging and user manual

• Requirement: Clear, permanent and non-removable

• Prohibition: Distorting or altering the proportion and meaning of the CE mark

Common Non-conformities & Rectification Solutions

CE Certification & Other EU Regulations

CE certification does not cover RoHS, but electrical & electronic products usually need to comply with both.

FAQ

Is CE certification mandatory?

Yes. EU regulations require controlled products to affix CE marking for market sales.

Can products be sold in Europe without CE certification?

No. Uncertified products will be detained by customs, facing fines and market ban.

Can I apply for CE certification by myself?

Low-risk products can adopt self-declaration (DoC). High-risk products must involve an EU NB body.

How to apply for series models?

Provide model difference description. Products with similar structure and key parameters can apply jointly.

Does CE certification require factory audit?

Ordinary electrical & electronic products generally do not require factory audit; mechanical products and some NB certificates may require it.

What if certification fails?

Rectify the product according to the test report and resubmit samples until passing.

Is there any conflict between CE and ISO certification?

No conflict. CE focuses on product compliance, while ISO focuses on system management; the two are complementary.