CE Marking & Compliance FAQs

CE Marking is a declaration by the manufacturer that their machinery complies with all relevant EU directives, particularly the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. It is required to legally market or operate machinery within the European Economic Area (EEA).

Yes. If your machine falls under the Machinery Directive, it must be CE marked before it can be sold or used in Ireland or anywhere in the EU. This applies to both locally manufactured and imported machinery.

The responsibility typically lies with the manufacturer, but it can also fall on the importer or authorised representative if the machine is made outside the EU. We help all parties navigate the compliance process.

The timeline depends on the complexity of the machinery, its classification, and whether third-party assessment is required. On average, we deliver full CE compliance for our clients in 2 to 6 weeks.

The Technical File includes risk assessments (ISO 12100), design drawings and specifications, list of essential health and safety requirements (EHSRs) addressed, test results and certificates, operating instructions, and the EU Declaration of Conformity.

Not always. Most machinery can be self-certified, but if your product is listed in Annex IV of the Machinery Directive (e.g., presses, woodworking machines), then a Notified Body may be required. We'll determine this for you.

Selling or operating machinery in the EU without CE Marking can result in fines, product recalls, and legal liability. It can also prevent market access or lead to seized shipments at customs.

Yes. If a used machine is significantly modified, or is being imported into the EU for the first time, it may require new CE certification. We can assess your specific case and advise accordingly.

Yes. Since July 2014, it has been mandatory under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) for structural steel to be CE marked if it's intended for permanent use in construction.

EN 1090-1 is the harmonised European standard for CE Marking structural steel and aluminium components. It requires implementation of a Factory Production Control (FPC) system and certification by a Notified Body.

An FPC system is a set of documented procedures and controls that ensure consistent manufacturing quality. It covers everything from purchasing and material traceability to fabrication, inspection, and welding.

Yes, if your products involve welding. EN 1090 and ISO 3834 require an RWC to oversee welding quality. We can help you appoint or qualify a suitable candidate and develop welding procedures.

Typically, the process takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your current systems and readiness. We help speed things up by managing the process and documentation from start to finish.

Selling or installing non-CE marked structural steel is a breach of EU regulations and can result in fines, rejected work, legal liability, and inability to win government or public contracts.

Yes. Since July 1, 2013, CE marking is mandatory for all construction products covered by harmonized European standards when placed on the EU market. This is required under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) 305/2011.

The CPR 305/2011 is EU regulation that harmonizes conditions for marketing construction products. It requires CE marking, Declaration of Performance, and compliance with essential characteristics to ensure free movement across EU Member States.

The CPR defines seven basic requirements: mechanical resistance & stability, safety in case of fire, hygiene/health/environment, safety and accessibility in use, protection against noise, energy economy & heat retention, and sustainable use of natural resources.

A Declaration of Performance is a document providing information on construction product performance characteristics. It must be drawn up by manufacturers for all CE marked construction products and made available to customers.

It depends on the AVCP system applicable to your product's essential characteristics. Products under AVCP systems 1, 1+, 2+, or 3 require Notified Body involvement, while system 4 allows manufacturer self-declaration.

Timeline depends on product complexity, AVCP system requirements, and Notified Body involvement. Typically ranges from 4-12 weeks with our structured support and coordination with relevant bodies.

Supplying non-CE marked construction products in Ireland/EU is a criminal offense under S.I. 225 of 2013, with penalties including fines and imprisonment. Products may be seized and removed from market.

Yes, products not covered by harmonized standards can be voluntarily CE marked through the European Technical Assessment (ETA) route via Technical Assessment Bodies (TABs) and European Assessment Documents (EADs).

Yes. Any pressure equipment operating above 0.5 bar and intended for the EU market must comply with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) and be CE marked accordingly.

The PED (2014/68/EU) is an EU regulation that sets safety standards for pressure-containing equipment. It ensures that pressure vessels, piping, and accessories are designed, manufactured, and tested safely.

The PED includes several assessment routes, such as Module A (self-certification) and Modules B, C, F, G, H, and H1, which involve Notified Body assessments. We help you select and manage the appropriate path.

Yes. Even small or custom manufacturers can comply. We work with fabricators of all sizes to implement right-sized quality systems and meet PED obligations.

Key documents include Technical File, design and calculation reports, material certificates (EN 10204), welding procedure qualifications (WPS/PQR/WPQ), operating instructions and Declaration of Conformity.

Timelines vary depending on product complexity and PED category. Typically, certification takes 4–8 weeks with our structured support and prompt coordination with Notified Bodies.

Supplying non-CE marked equipment in the EU is a violation of law and can lead to fines, legal action, product recalls, or import bans. CE Marking is essential for both safety and legal access.

An EU AR is a legal entity established in the EU that acts on behalf of non-EU manufacturers for specific tasks under Market Surveillance Regulation 2019/1020, serving as a contact point for market surveillance authorities.

All CE marked products covered by MSR 2019/1020 including machinery, electronics, construction products, pressure equipment, toys, PPE, and other harmonized products when sold by non-EU manufacturers to EU consumers.

Products without proper EU AR labeling can be seized and destroyed by customs, Amazon may block your listings, and you cannot legally sell CE marked products to EU consumers.

Maintain technical documentation and declarations of conformity, communicate with market surveillance authorities, provide compliance information, and cooperate on corrective actions when required.

Yes, the EU AR's name and address must be clearly visible on the product, its packaging, or accompanying documentation to comply with MSR 2019/1020 requirements.

No, post-Brexit UK companies cannot serve as EU ARs. The representative must be established in one of the EU-27 member states, which is why our Ireland base is crucial.

CE marking stands for "Conformité Européenne" (European Conformity) and indicates that a product meets all applicable EU safety, health, and environmental requirements. It's a legal declaration by manufacturers that their product complies with relevant European legislation. The CE mark allows free movement of products within the European Economic Area, including Ireland.

CE marking is required to ensure products sold in the EU meet minimum safety and performance standards, protecting consumers and workers. It eliminates trade barriers by creating uniform standards across all EU member states. Without proper CE marking, products cannot legally be placed on the European market, including Ireland.

The manufacturer is ultimately responsible for CE marking and ensuring compliance with all applicable EU directives. If there's no EU-based manufacturer, the importer or authorized representative must take responsibility. Irish businesses manufacturing or importing products must ensure proper CE compliance before placing products on the market.

CE marking is a self-declaration by the manufacturer - there's no central approval body. However, many products require testing by Notified Bodies (accredited testing organizations) before CE marking can be applied. Our Irish CE compliance experts handle the assessment process for you and connect you with appropriate Notified Bodies when required.

CE marking is mandatory in all 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Turkey. This includes Ireland, where market surveillance authorities actively enforce CE compliance. Products without proper CE marking face removal from the market and significant penalties for Irish businesses.

Products covered by EU directives require CE marking, including machinery, medical devices, construction products, pressure equipment, electrical equipment, and toys. Our Irish compliance specialists help determine if your specific product falls under CE marking requirements and which directives apply to ensure full compliance.

CE marking becomes mandatory when you place a covered product on the EU market for the first time. This includes manufacturing in Ireland for EU sale, importing from outside the EU, or making substantial modifications to existing products. The marking must be applied before the product reaches end users or distributors.

Getting CE marking involves identifying applicable directives, conducting conformity assessments, preparing technical documentation, and issuing a Declaration of Conformity. Our Irish CE marking consultants handle this entire process for you, delivering fast compliance solutions to ensure your products meet all requirements efficiently and cost-effectively.

Yes, many products allow self-certification where manufacturers can declare conformity without third-party testing. However, higher-risk products require Notified Body involvement for testing and certification. Our compliance experts help Irish businesses determine the correct conformity assessment route and ensure proper self-certification procedures are followed.

Notified Body numbers can be verified through the European Commission's NANDO database, which lists all authorized testing organizations. The four-digit number following the CE mark identifies the Notified Body that conducted conformity assessment. Our team helps Irish businesses verify certificates and ensure supplier compliance authenticity.

CE marking costs vary significantly depending on product complexity, testing requirements, and conformity assessment procedures. Self-certification may cost hundreds of euros, while complex products requiring extensive testing can cost thousands. Our Irish consultancy provides transparent cost estimates and helps optimize your compliance budget through efficient processes.

No, products requiring CE marking cannot be legally sold in the EU without proper compliance. Irish market surveillance authorities can impose significant penalties, require product withdrawal, and pursue legal action against non-compliant businesses. The risks far outweigh any short-term savings from avoiding proper CE compliance procedures.

Yes, as an EU member state, Ireland fully enforces CE marking requirements for all applicable products. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) and other Irish authorities conduct market surveillance and can impose penalties up to €70,000 for non-compliance. Irish businesses must ensure full CE compliance before placing products on the market.