How to get CE marking
The full process.
Your EU partner for CE marking, certification & compliance
FCC authorization and UL listing do not carry over to the EU. US products sold in the EU need CE marking under EU legislation, tested to EN standards, and an economic operator established in the EU.
| Topic | United States | European Union |
|---|---|---|
| Radio and EMC | FCC Part 15 / Part 18 authorization | RED or EMC Directive, EN/ETSI standards |
| Electrical safety | NRTL listing (UL, ETL, CSA), often required by retailers or codes | LVD or RED Article 3(1)(a), EN standards |
| Who approves | Testing laboratory or TCB | The manufacturer for most products, a Notified Body where required |
| Mains supply | 120 V / 60 Hz, NEMA plugs | 230 V / 50 Hz, country-specific plugs |
| Local contact | Your US business | An economic operator established in the EU |
Check which EU acts apply, gap-check your existing reports against EN standards, prepare the technical file and the EU Declaration of Conformity, and appoint an EU importer or authorised representative where you have no EU entity.
No. Radio and EMC compliance in the EU is shown under the Radio Equipment Directive or the EMC Directive, usually with tests against ETSI and EN standards.
No. A UL listing can help with evidence, but CE marking requires conformity with EU legislation and an EU Declaration of Conformity.
For products covered by Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020, an economic operator established in the EU is required. This can be your importer or an authorised representative; you do not need your own EU entity.
The full process.
For wireless products.
EN and ETSI testing.
Note: This guide provides general information about EU product legislation, not legal advice. Check the current legal texts on EUR-Lex for your product. Last reviewed 5 October 2026.
Tell us where your company is based, your product sector and how far your documentation is. Before any engagement, we send you a proposed compliance route.