What Are CE and WEEE Marks

In the field of electronic product compliance, companies are often overwhelmed by various abbreviations, directives, and symbols.

The most commonly confused ones are the CE mark and the WEEE mark.

Many people mistakenly believe that WEEE is part of CE — but it is not.

This article explains the differences, requirements, and compliance essentials of both, helping you clearly understand how they work.

What Is the CE Mark

The CE (Conformité Européenne) mark is the “passport” for products entering the European EconoMIC Area (EEA).

It is not related to waste management; instead, it ensures that a product meets safety, health, and environmental protection standards.

Before applying the CE mark, manufacturers must:

- Complete a conformity assessment (either self-declaration or third-party testing)

- Prepare technical documentation (test reports, risk assessments, design files)

- Draft the EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

- Affix the CE mark clearly on the product

In short, the CE mark confirms that a product can be legally sold in the EEA.

What Is the WEEE Directive

WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive) focuses on a product’s environmental responsibility at the end of its life cycle.

It defines how electronic and electrical equipment shoULd be collected, treated, and recycled.

Key obligations include:

- Registering as a producer in EU member states

- Funding the recycling and reuse of products after disposal

- Affixing the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol on the product

- Regularly reporting the quantities placed on the market and collected

In simple terms, CE governs a product’s “birth,” while WEEE governs its “afterlife.”

Differences Between CE and WEEE

Purpose

CE: Ensures safety, health, and environmental compliance.

WEEE: Focuses on recycling and reusing electronic waste.

Applicable Stage

CE: Before the product enters the market.

WEEE: After the product is discarded.

Symbol

CE: The letters “CE.”

WEEE: A crossed-out wheeled bin symbol.

Responsible Party

CE: Manufacturer or authorized representative.

WEEE: Producer, which may include manufacturers, importers, or distributors.

Legal Framework

CE: Based on product-specific directives such as LVD, EMC, and RoHS.

WEEE: Governed by Directive 2012/19/EU.

Note: RoHS belongs under the CE framework, while WEEE is completely independent.

How CE and WEEE Work Together

Take a laptop as an example:

- Before being placed on the market, it must have the CE mark to show compliance with EMC, RoHS, and other requirements.

- When disposed of, it must carry the WEEE crossed-bin symbol to ensure it enters a recycling system.

The two marks work together, covering the entire compliance life cycle of a product—from production to disposal.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

- Failing to meet CE requirements may result in customs seizure, product recall, or even criminal liability.

- Failing to comply with WEEE may lead to fines, sales bans, and damage to corporate reputation.

Therefore, companies must ensure full compliance at every stage:

Meet CE requirements before market entry, and fulfill WEEE obligations when the product exits the market.