The CE mark is a conformity marking that is required for many products sold in the European Union (EU). It stands for "Conformité Européene" (European Conformity) and indicates that the product meets all relevant EU health, safety, and environmental protection regulations.
The CE mark is a key element of the EU's New Approach Directives, which aim to harmonize product regulations across the EU to facilitate the free movement of goods. By affixing the CE mark, the manufacturer is declaring that the product complies with all applicable EU regulations and can be sold freely in the EU market.
The CE mark is mandatory for a wide range of products, including electrical and electronic equipment, toys, medical devices, machinery, and personal protective equipment. The specific requirements for a product will depend on the EU directive(s) that apply to that product.
It's important to note that the CE mark does not guarantee the quality of the product, but rather serves as a declaration of compliance with EU regulations. EU authorities have the power to carry out conformity assessments and enforce penalties for non-compliant products.