ce

[caro_]

What do the initials CE mean on products please? I know it's my initials but I don't think I hold all the patents!

[mrbatfink]

European Community. Dont ask me why its back to front. Probably something to do with other languages using the words the other way round

[mrbatfink]

Ah here you go...

http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a990402c.html

[kempie]

The initials "CE" do not stand for any specific words but are a declaration by the manufacturer that the product meets the requirements of the applicable European Directive(s).

http://www.dti.gov.uk/strd/cemark.html

[kempie]

...although it is often said to stand for Conformit� Europ�enne, French for European conformity.

[ianess]

Yes, it's the European equivalent of the BSI kitemark, although it could be argued that the standard is not so high.

[Buenchico]

Ianess compares the CE mark to the BSI Kitemark. It should be noted that there's a very importance difference:

The Kitemark means that a sample product has been examined and tested by the British Standards Institute (i.e. there has been an independent assessment which confirms that the product meets the required standards).

The CE mark means that the manufacturer is stating that the relevant European standards are met by the product. (i.e. there has been no independent verification of standards).

Chris

[Whickerman]

Sorry Buenchico, you're very wrong,

I work in QA, and we produce products that are both Kitemarked and CE marked. I can assure you that both standards are very carefully tested, certified, and monitored by an independent body, in our case the BSI and NSAI respectively, (although BSI offer both services). CE marking is incredibly well restricted, and each product must have a seperate certification. Eg - say you're producing gauges. And you have 3 different sizes. You have to have each size tested by an accredited body, at least annually (same as kitemark).

Sorry for the lecture, but this mark is really important, and primarily there for the safety assurance of users.

[kempie]

Whickerman - the difference between the two marks is that for a product to bear the Kitemark it has to be passed by the BSI, an established and trusted testing body, whereas a manufacturer can affix the CE mark and claim (i.e. produce documentation) that it conforms to the EU Directives via their own testing procedures with no requirement for testing by an outside agency.

I know which method of Quality Assurance I prefer.

[mrbatfink]

OK CE is short for nothing but they were previously called European Community. Wonder where the CE came from!

[Whickerman]

I have to disagree with you Kempie. A product can only be self certified if it can be classed as 'minimal risk' under the directive. These products would never need a kitemark anyway.

Any item which is listed on the directive as requiring a CE mark which is in any other class than minimal risk must be certified by a recognised body. In addition, only items which are specified on the directive may legally carry the CE mark.

[kempie]

Whickerman - therefore you agree that some (many?) products can be self-certified for CE purposes thus making the clear distinction between a CE mark and a Kitemark both Chris and I were highlighting.

You may be interested in perusing relevant Directives here to establish the number of applications in which a manufacturer has no need to involve testing by a "notified body" (with the proviso that internal testing documentation be kept for 10 years for possible future scrutiny by the European Commission), a case of paperwork taking higher precedence than actual testing.

[Monkey Man]

There are actually two types of certification that can be obtained one for

Minimal Risk
Options for products with minimal risk include self certification where the manufacturer prepares a Declaration of Conformity and affixes the CE Marking to their own product.

and Greater Risks
Many directives require products/systems with greater risks to be independently certified; this must be done by a "Notified Body". This is an organization that has been nominated by a Member Government and has been notified by the European Commission. Notified bodies serve as independent test labs and perform the steps called out by directives. They must have the necessary qualifications to meet the testing requirements set forth in the directives. Notified bodies may be a private sector organization or a government agency. Manufacturers may choose a notified body in any member state of the European Union. Lists of notified bodies are published by the European Commission in the Official Journal of the European Communities.