EU CE Certification for Electric Blankets and Heaters

As Europe approaches winter, the intensifying energy crisis and natural gas shortages have led to increased restrictions on gas usage in many European countries. This has significantly boosted the demand for heating solutions, resULting in a notable surge in the export of heating appliances from China. The European market is experiencing a sharp rise in demand:

- According to Alibaba International, the demand for electric heating appliances has increased by more than 40% year-on-year. Electric blankets alone saw a growth of over 70%, while electric heaters rose by more than 50%.

- According to the General Administration of Customs, from January to May 2022, the EU27 imported an average of 139,800 electric blankets per month from China. This number surged to 521,000 in June, rapidly climbing to 1.29 million in July (a month-on-month increase of nearly 150%), and REACHed 1.4 million in August.

There are many types of electric heating products on the market, with the three most common categories being electric blankets, liquid heaters, and space heaters. In such a booming market, how can manufacturers smoothly enter the EU market, and what certification requirements must be met for electric heaters in Europe?

CE certification

CE certification is a mandatory requirement for exporting products to EU countries. It acts as a passport for manufacturers entering the European market. The CE mark is compulsory for both EU-based and foreign-manufactured products. Without it, products cannot be freely circulated within the EU market. The CE mark signifies that a product complies with the EU's New Approach Directives on technical harmonization and standardization.

CE Certification Standards:

EMC Requirements:

- EN IEC 55014-1: Electromagnetic compatibility – Requirements for household appliances, electric tools, and similar apparatus – Part 1: Emission

- EN IEC 55014-2: EMC – Requirements for household appliances, electric tools, and similar apparatus – Part 2: Immunity

LVD Requirements:

- EN 60335-1: Safety of household and similar electrical appliances – Part 1: General requirements

- EN 62233: Measurement methods for electromagnetic fields of household and similar appliances regarding human exposure

Product-Specific Standards:

- Electric Heaters: EN 60335-2-30 – Particular requirements for room heaters

- Liquid Heaters: EN 60335-2-15 – Particular requirements for appliances for heating liquids

- Electric Blankets: EN 60335-2-17 – Particular requirements for blankets, pads, clothing, and similar flexible heating devices

ROHS certification

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is an EU legislative directive that restricts the use of certain hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment. It was formally implemented on July 1, 2006, aiming to make product materials and manufacturing processes safer for human health and the environment.

- The updated RoHS 2.0 (Directive 2011/65/EU) replaced the original 2002/95/EC directive on January 3, 2013.

- On June 4, 2015, the EU published amendment (EU) 2015/863, adding four phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP) to the restricted list, applicable to all electronic products except medical and monitoring devices.

ROHS Testing Standards:

- Testing Standard: IEC 62321

- Directive: 2011/65/EU & (EU) 2015/863

reach certification

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) is a regulation of the EU for the preventive management of chemicals. Officially implemented on June 1, 2007, REACH mandates that all chemical substances manufactured or imported into the EU must undergo registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction to ensure safety for human health and the environment.

Each product must have a chemical composition dossier, detailing:

- The use of each chemical

- A toxicological risk assessment report

reach testing Standard:

- Regulation: EC No. 1907/2006

ErP Certification

ErP (Energy-related Products) refers to products that consume energy or impact energy use during their lifecycle, including manufacturing, distribution, and usage. The EU erp directive establishes a legal framework for eco-design requirements, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of energy-consuming products.

All electronic appliances sold in Europe must comply with ErP requirements, especially household heating appliances that affect energy consumption during use. Applicable products include:

- Electric blankets and heaters: Covered under regulations on standby and off-mode power consumption and local space heaters.

Exclusions:

- Transport vehicles for people or goods

ErP Testing Standards:

- (EU) 2015/1188: Ecodesign requirements for local space heaters

- BS EN 60675:1995 + A11:2019: Methods for measuring the performance of direct-acting room heaters for household use