US Companies Risk Lawsuits When Preparing Products for Sale in Europe With CE Marking

“CE Marking” certification for Europe is a “Self-Declaration”, but what happens if it’s incorrect? Many company owners don’t realize the liability they assume when signing the CE documentation.

In North America, most electrical equipment manufacturers are required to have their products tested by an independent testing laboratory, such as UL, MET, CSA, ETL, and TUV. In the US, these laboratories are approved and audited by the Federal Government (OSHA) and are required to prove experience and competence for the accreditation. For the European Union, “CE Marking” “Self-Declaration is allowed.

What’s the difference? With an independent accredited testing laboratory there are some assurances. The correct Standard is chosen, the electrical construction evaluation performed by an Engineer is thorough, and the testing is performed by experienced technicians. With CE marking, none of this is assured. In fact, in the testing and product safety consulting business, products are submitted every day with the CE mark that have multiple problems and hazards.

One of the requirements for the CE Marking is that the owner or CEO of the company sign the Declaration of Conformity. This brings up several questions. Does this person understand the process? Do they have any technical knowledge? Would they know if something was wrong with the product or the test results? Would they even know if any testing had been done or if the proper equipment and procedures had been used? Would they know that a Technical Construction File is required, or that a EU authorized agent is required to hold the report?

Customs and port inspectors in Europe are looking for the CE Marking on all products. Additionally, if there are any questions for any reason, they can request the Technical Construction File. If the file is not with the agent, (or does not exist) the shipment can be delayed, held or turned back. If a CE marked product causes injury or death, the CEO or company owner is held directly responsible in international court – this can result in fines or even prison.

Of course, there are many companies that successfully complete these self-declarations and sell products in the EU without using an independent testing laboratory. Some have experienced people on staff, own the Standards and test equipment, know the Directives, and create an accurate technical file. Others are only placing the CE sticker on the product and are just “Rolling the dice”.

CertifiGroup provides some free-of-charge services to help US manufacturers. Call or e-mail to sent up an appointment at the testing facility in North Carolina. Call 800-321-4655 or go to the website www.certifigroup.com to send an e-mail or information request.

CertifiGroup also regularly provides US (UL) and Canadian (CSA) certifications for North America, SEMI S2 evaluations for semiconductor equipment, ingress protection testing, hazardous (Classified) location certification and field evaluations, generators, solar and wind turbine safety, medical and laboratory equipment.

CertifiGroup CE Marking Program Cuts Trade Barriers for US Companies Selling Products in Europe

Europe’s laws for importing products can be a costly trade barrier for US manufacturers and distributors. Learn how to cut through EU red tape and get a CE Marking that will satisfy the authorities.

CertifiGroup, a North Carolina testing laboratory, is offering special programs for US companies who are preparing to sell products in Europe. Since the creation of the “CE marking” system, it has become more obvious over the years that this was not just a “Free trade” arrangement for the countries in the European Union. In recent years, companies shipping products to European ports have had entire shipments delayed and even returned, for not bearing the CE mark, or for missing or incorrect paperwork. With these occurrences, it is now clear that these regulations were also intended to be a trade barrier for companies outside of the EU.

The CertifiGroup CE Marking program makes it easy for US companies to get their product ready for marketing and shipping to Europe. There are two programs: The first program is a product submittal, where CertifiGroup CE certification specialists review your product, technical information and identify where testing is needed; the second program is a CE training program, where a company engineering / production staff learns how to manage the entire process from start to finish. This second program is ideal for companies who have available staff, and intend to market and sell a series of products on the EU market.

Karen Haselman, a Sr. Account Manager at CertifiGroup, talks about the customer experience. “Many times, a designer or manufacturer will start off only focusing on the correct operation of their product. When it’s time to market and sell the product in Europe, then they realize there’s an entire process that wasn’t considered. This can be stressful and difficult without the right kind of guidance”. Some of the CertifiGroup customers have ‘graduated’ into managing the whole process for themselves. “We have several customers who completed the training, and only need to come back to us when they have a new complex product line, or need to market the product internationally to Eastern Europe, Asia, Russia or South America”, says Haselman.

Free preliminary sessions are available to manufacturers and designers who can bring their product to our testing laboratory in Cary, NC. Call 800-422-1651 to make an appointment, or visit www.CertifiGroup.com.

CertifiGroup also provides UL and CSA Certifications, SEMI S2, Ingress Protection IP testing, hazardous location, medial, laboratory, lighting and many other equipment categories. CertifiGroup has former UL Engineers who understand the delays that can happen without proper preparation.