CE Marking for Electronics: Requirements, Process, Testing
Most electronics can be self-declared, but only after the right directives are identified. Walk the five steps, from testing to affixing the mark.
Table of Contents
TL;DR: CE marking for electronics starts with the rules that apply to your product. Review the evidence, complete the required assessment, prepare the technical file and EU Declaration of Conformity, then affix the mark. Many products allow manufacturer self-declaration; some assessment routes require a notified body. CE marking does not replace separate registration or market-entry duties.
This guide covers general electrical and electronic products, including consumer electronics and IoT devices. Medical devices, machinery and other specialist sectors need their own assessment.
CE marking for electronics in five steps
1. Identify the applicable requirements
Start with the product’s function, power supply, radio features and intended use. CE marking is required only where the applicable EU legislation mandates it. Do not assume every electronic component follows the same route.
- EMC Directive 2014/30/EU: electromagnetic emissions and immunity for equipment within its scope. See our EMC requirements guide.
- Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU: covers electrical equipment rated between 50–1,000 V AC or 75–1,500 V DC, subject to exclusions.
- Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU: applies to radio equipment, such as many Wi-Fi and Bluetooth products. It includes safety without a lower voltage threshold, EMC and radio-spectrum requirements. Do not automatically add separate LVD and EMC conformity assessments to the RED route.
- RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU: hazardous-substance restrictions for electrical and electronic equipment within scope. Check the relevant RoHS exemptions where needed.
Other product-specific rules may also apply. Select relevant standards and check their current status before planning the assessment. Official EU CE marking guidance.
2. Review existing evidence and plan testing
Match supplier documents to the exact model, configuration and components you will sell. Check whether supplier test reports cover your product before commissioning more tests.
Define the evidence gaps and the assessment route. Testing may cover electrical safety, EMC or radio performance. Independent laboratory testing and a legally required notified-body assessment are different services.
Use our guides to EMC testing standards and choosing an EMC laboratory to prepare the testing scope.
3. Build the technical file
Assemble the product description, drawings, component information, risk assessment, standards used, test evidence and relevant instructions. Record how these demonstrate compliance. Use our technical-file structure as a starting point.
Prepare the file before placing the product on the market and keep it available for authorities. Retention is generally ten years, subject to the applicable legislation. EU technical-documentation guidance.
{{cta}}
4. Draw up the EU Declaration of Conformity
The manufacturer takes responsibility for the product’s conformity. The declaration identifies the product, manufacturer, applicable legislation and supporting standards, with the required signature and other details. Use the EU Declaration of Conformity template and adapt it to your product.
5. Affix the mark and complete launch checks
Affix CE marking only after demonstrating conformity. Follow the applicable rules on visibility, legibility, durability and placement; packaging is not a default substitute for marking the product.
Check product identification, required contact details, labels and instructions for your markets. Maintain the evidence when the product or relevant requirements change.
Do non-EU manufacturers need an authorised representative?
Not automatically. For products covered by Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020, an EU-based responsible economic operator is required. This can be an EU manufacturer, an importer, a mandated authorised representative or, where none of those exists, a qualifying fulfilment service provider.
The right arrangement depends on the product and supply chain. Read our EU authorised representative guide and Article 4.
Does CE marking cover EPR?
No. CE conformity and EPR registration are separate workstreams. Check packaging, WEEE and battery obligations in each target market, as applicable. Our EPR registration and reporting service can be scoped alongside CE support.
What does CE marking cost and how long does it take?
Budget separately for documentation, testing and any required independent assessment. There is no fee simply to affix the CE mark. For a breakdown, see our CE marking cost guide.
The timeline depends on product complexity, available evidence, laboratory scheduling and any corrective work. A useful proposal identifies the deliverables, missing inputs, testing needs and milestones before work starts.
Avoid the gaps that delay launch
- Reports that cover a different model or power supply.
- A technical file missing risk assessment or supporting evidence.
- A declaration that omits applicable legislation.
- Labels, instructions or country registrations left until shipping.
See common technical-file mistakes, or browse the CE marking guide library.
Official sources
Reviewed 8 October 2026. Apply the legislation and conformity-assessment route relevant to your product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about EU compliance
The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that a product complies with all applicable EU directives and for issuing the Declaration of Conformity.
Yes, for many product categories manufacturers can perform a self-declaration of conformity if they demonstrate compliance with applicable directives and standards.
Products may be blocked at EU borders, recalled from the market, or subject to regulatory enforcement actions.
Get your CE marking scope, price and timeline
EcoComply prepares your technical file and declaration draft and coordinates laboratory testing. €3,800 per product; testing fees are additional.
Start with a free scoping assessment and receive a personalised proposal.
Discuss your product and compliance needs
Tell us about your product and target markets. Receive an initial requirements assessment and a personalised proposal based on our fixed pricing. No obligation.
